Beethoven - Hildegard Behrens · Peter Hofmann · Hans Sotin · Theo Adam · Sona Ghazarian · David Kuebler · Gwynne Howell · Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus · Sir Georg Solti – Fidelio

Ludwig van Beethoven – Fidelio

Hildegard Behrens · Peter Hofmann · Hans Sotin · Theo Adam · Sona Ghazarian · David Kuebler · Gwynne Howell · Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus · Sir Georg Solti

Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, stands as a towering work of courage, freedom, and devotion - and this powerful recording under Sir Georg Solti brings its drama vividly to life. Featuring an exceptional cast led by Hildegard Behrens as Leonore and Peter Hofmann as Florestan, alongside the formidable forces of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, this interpretation delivers both emotional intensity and musical precision in equal measure.

Solti’s direction highlights the opera’s striking contrasts - from moments of intimate tenderness to sweeping, triumphant choral passages - while remaining faithful to Beethoven’s vision of moral strength and human resilience. The performances are deeply expressive, with standout vocal moments that capture both the personal and political stakes at the heart of the story.

A definitive recording of a monumental work, this edition of Fidelio is essential for opera lovers and classical collectors alike - combining world-class musicianship with one of the most enduring stories in the repertoire.

Tracklist:

Fidelio

1-1 – Overture

Act One
1-2 – "Jetzt Schätzchen, Jetzt Sind Wir Allein" – Jaquino
1-3 – "O Wär Ich Schon Mit Dir Vereint" – Marzelline
1-4 – "Mir Ist So Wunderbar" – Marzelline
1-5 – "Hat Nicht Auch Gold Beineben" – Rocco
1-6 – "Gut, Söhnchen, Gut" – Rocco
1-7 – March
1-8 – "Ha! Ha! Ha! Welch' Ein Augenblick" – Pizarro
1-9 – "Jetzt Alter, Alter, Jetzt Hat Es Eile!" – Pizarro
1-10 – "Abscheulicher! Wo Eilst Du Hin?" – Leonore
1-11 – "Komm Hoffnung, Lass' Den Letzten Stern" – Leonore

Act One (Continued)
2-1 – "O Welche Lust" – Prisoners
2-2 – "Nun Sprecht, Wie Ging's?" – Leonore
2-3 – "Ach! Vater, Vater Eilt!" – Marzelline
2-4 – "Leb Wohl, Du Warmes Sonnenlicht" – Prisoners

Act Two
2-5 – Introduction: "Gott! Welch' Dunkel Hier!" – Florestan
2-6 – "In Des Lebens Frühlingstagen" – Florestan
2-7 – "Wie Kalt Ist Es In Diesem Unteririschen Gewölbe!" – Leonore
2-8 – "Nur Hurtig Fort, Nur Frisch Gegraben" – Rocco
2-9 – "Euch Werde Lohn In Bessern Welten" – Florestan
2-10 – "Er Sterbe!" – Pizarro
2-11 – "O Namenlose Freude!" – Leonore, Florestan
2-12 – "Heil! Heil! Heil Sei Dem Tag" – Townspeople
2-13 – "Des Besten Königs Wink Und Wille" – Don Fernando
2-14 – "Wer Ein Holdes Weib Errungen" – Townspeople, Prisoners