Bach's Christmas Oratorio
In 1965, Karl Richter recorded his significant interpretation of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, which occupies a special place among numerous recordings. The performance of the Munich Bach Choir and Orchestra under Richter's direction was widely praised, as was the excellent vocal and instrumental playing of the soloists. The solo quartet—comprising Fritz Wunderlich, Gundula Janowitz, Christa Ludwig, and Franz Crass—is particularly noteworthy. This recording is also considered one of the last artistic testimonies of the tenor Fritz Wunderlich, who tragically died a few months later and whose 90th birthday would have been celebrated in September. Richter's second recording of the work differs significantly from his first; in particular, the Munich ensembles are distinguished by youthful freshness and exceptional homogeneity.