When the great mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig gave her farewell recital in Salzburg in August 1993 it brought to an end a stellar career that had covered over 50 years. These 10 CDs provide for the first time a wide-ranging portrait of this extraordinary artist. They include her first radio recordings in small roles made during her Frankfurt opera years, the Salzburg Mozart and Strauss premieres, and the Wagner roles of her later years. The set also features her great performances in the Lied and oratorio repertoire.
Although born in Berlin, it was in Vienna and Salzburg that the legendary mezzo-soprano Christa Ludwig achieved her greatest and most lasting successes. In Salzburg alone she gave 126 performances during her 38 years association at the opera, 20 song recitals and 18 concerts. For conductors like Karajan, Klemperer, Böhm, Solti and Bernstein she was first choice for top-class recordings.