The Münchner Rundfunkorchester regularly rediscovers the works of long forgotten composers. This includes the music of Walter Braunfels whose popularity rivalled Richard Strauss’ in 1920s Germany. Condemned to silence from 1933 onwards, he was unable to repeat his earlier successes after the end of the Second World War.

It was during the early years of Nazi rule that Braunfels – once referred to as "timelessly behind the times" – wrote his Christmas mystery play The Annunciation, but it was only premiered in 1948.

In this live recording, renowned soprano Juliane Banse and rising tenor Matthias Klink sing the leading roles, accompanied by the Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks and the Münchner Rundfunkorchester conducted by Ulf Schirmer.

Live Recording, Munich, Prinzregententheater, 18 December 2011.