Mein ganzes Herz - Celebrating the Immortal Hits of Richard Tauber
Renowned as one of the greatest Austrian tenors of the 20th century, Richard Tauber is celebrated for his irresistible charm and exceptional vocal artistry. "Mein ganzes Herz" refers to "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz," the legendary tenor aria from Franz Lehár's operetta Das Land des Lächelns (The Land of Smiles), which became synonymous with Tauber. This anthology encapsulates a brilliant assortment of Tauber’s greatest hits, including the timeless classic ‘Mein ganzes Herz.’
A Glorious Tribute by Piotr Beczała, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and Lukasz Borowicz
Award-winning Polish tenor Piotr Beczała, the stellar Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, and accomplished conductor Lukasz Borowicz join hands for a vibrant homage to Richard Tauber. This compilation showcases his uniquely expressive style and rich emotional intensity. Whether you are a seasoned classical music connoisseur or new to the music domain, this absorbing collection is bound to enthrall you with its perfect blend of orchestral mastery and lyrical virtuosity. Dive into the immortal hits of Richard Tauber and relish this soul-stirring musical indulgence.
Richard Tauber and His Signature Work
Richard Tauber (1891–1948) was a celebrated Austrian tenor renowned for his performances in opera, operetta, concerts, and films over a distinguished 30-year career. "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" was composed especially for Tauber by Franz Lehár during the transformation of Lehár's operetta into Das Land des Lächelns in 1929. The aria is sung by the character Prince Sou-Chong in Act 2 and quickly became Tauber's signature piece—so much so that he sang it at nearly every recital, often as an encore.
Cultural Significance and Legacy
The song is considered Lehár's most famous and enduring composition, thanks in large part to Tauber's interpretation and international performances, including in English-speaking countries after his move to London in 1938. Tauber's impactful recordings and concert performances helped popularize operetta and this aria worldwide, embedding it as a staple of the light tenor repertoire. The aria's popularity led to many covers by later tenors and its adaptation into various languages and musical styles.
Other Notable Works and Collaborations
Besides his close association with Lehár, Tauber also premiered and starred in several of Lehár's operettas and composed three operettas himself, with Old Chelsea being the most notable for its subsequent CD release. Tauber's film work includes the song "Ich küsse Ihre Hand, Madame," further cementing his place in popular culture.