Johann Strauss II was deservedly known as the ‘Waltz King’, and his talent for writing captivating dance melodies was ideally suited to the sparkling world of operetta.

Featuring a host of star performers, such as Nicolai Gedda, Brigitte Fassbaender, Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau, Rita Streich, Hermann Prey and Grace Bumbry, this set includes some of Strauss’ most popular and enduring masterpieces in the genre, as well as the lesser-known Simplicius, heard here in its acclaimed world premiere recording under the baton of Franz Welser-Möst.

Contents:
Die Fledermaus
Cast:
- Gabriel Von Eisenstein: Nicolai Gedda
- Rosalinda, His Wife: Anneliese Rothenberger
- Adele, A Lady’s Maid: Renate Holm
- Prince Orlofsky: Brigitte Fassbaender
- Alfred, A Teacher Of Singing: Adolf Dallapozza
- Dr Falke, A Notary: Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
- Frank, Governor Of A Prison: Walter Berry
- Ida, Adele’S Sister: Senta Wengraf
- Frosch, A Gaoler (Speaking Role): Otto Schenk
- Dr Blind, An Advocate: Jürgen Förster
- Iwan, Prince Orlofsky’s Major-Domo (Speaking Role): Gerd W Dieberitz
Chor der Wiener Staatsoper in der Volksoper, Wiener Symphoniker / Willi Boskovsky
Recorded: 1971, Schwech, Hof, Vienna

Eine Nacht in Venedig
Cast:
- Guido, Duke Of Urbino: Nicolai Gedda
- Bartolomeo Delacqua: Christian Oppelberg
- Stefano Barbaruccio (Speaking Role) Venetian Senators: Franz Weiss
- Giorgio Testaccio: Theo Nicolai
- Barbara: Majorie Heistermann
- Agricola Their Wives: Gisela Litz
- Constantia: Anneliese Rothenberger
- Annina, A Fisher-Girl: Rita Streich
- Caramello, The Duke’s Confidant And Barber: Cesare Curzi
- Pappacoda, A Macaroni-Seller: Hans Günther Grimm
- Ciboletta, A Cook: Christine Görner
- Enrico Piselli, A Naval Officer: Hermann Prey
- Centurio (Speaking Role): Karl Kreile
Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Symphonie-Orchester Graunke / Franz Allers
Recorded: 1967, Bürgerbräu, Munich

Der Zigeunerbaron
Cast:
- Count Peter Homonay, Governor of the Temesvar Province: Hermann Prey
- Count Carnero, Royal Commissioner: Wolfgang Anheisser
- Sándor Barinkay, A Young Exile: Nicolai Gedda
- Kálmán Zsupán, A Wealthy Pig-Breeder: Kurt Böhme
- Arsena, His Daughter: Rita Streich
- Mirabella, Her Governess: Gisela Litz
- Ottokar, Mirabella’s Son: Illi Brokmeier
- Czipra, An Old Gypsy: Biserka Cvejic
- Saffi, A Gypsy Girl: Grace Bumbry
Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper München, Orchester der Bayerischen Staatsoper München / Franz Allers
Recorded: 1969, Bürgerbräu, Munich

Simplicius
Cast:
- The Hermit, Wendelin Von Grübben: Michael Volle
- Simplicius, His Younger Son: Martin Zysset
- General Von Vliessen: Rolf Haunstein
- Hildegard, His Daughter: Elizabeth Magnuson
- Armin Von Grübben, Brother Of Simplicius, A Law Student: Piotr Beczala
- Melchior, An Astrologer: Oliver Widmer
- Schnappslotte, Owner of the Travelling Canteen: Louise Martini
- Tilly, Her Daughter: Martina Janková
- Ebba, A Swedish Spy: Liliana Nikiteanu
- Sergeant Major: Cheyne Davidson
- Cuirassier: Heikki Yrttiaho
- Officer: Jörg Heppe
- Soldier: Meinholf Kalkuhl
- Voice: Alexander Pereira
Chor des Opernhauses Zürich, Kinderchor des Opernhauses Zürich, Orchester der Oper Zürich / Franz Welser-Möst
Recorded live: 1999, Opernhaus Zürich

Wiener Blut
Cast:
- Prince Ypsheim Gindelbach, Prime Minister Of Reuss-Schleiz-Greiz: Klaus Hirte
- Balduin, Count Zedlau, Ambassador Of Reuss-Schleiz-Greiz In Vienna: Nicolai Gedda
- Gabriele, Countess Zedlau, His Wife: Anneliese Rothenberger
- Count Bitowski: Gerd W Dieberitz
- Franziska Cagliari, Dancer From The Kärtnertor Theater: Renate Holm
- Kagler, Her Father, Fairground Proprietor: Hans Putz
- Pepi Pleininger, A Mannequin: Gabriele Fuchs
- Josef, Valet To Count Zedlau: Heinz Zednik
- Die Lisi Vom Himmelpfortgrund: Helga Schramm
- Die Lori Vom Thurybrückerl: Karin Stranig
Chor der Kölner Oper, Wiener Schrammeln, Philharmonia Hungarica / Willi Boskovsky
Recorded: 1976, Festspielhaus, Recklinghausen