Erich Korngold’s opera Die Tote Stadt (first performed in 1920) is best known for its aria “Glück, das mir verblieb” also known as “Marietta’s Lied”. Actually it’s a duet for tenor and soprano. Less well known is the tenor version of the same tune which closes the opera. The first line is the same but thereafter the tenor (Paul) sings different words to the same melody.

Renee Fleming

Renée Fleming

Sunday night Renée Fleming sang the aria (she sang both the tenor and soprano parts) to great acclaim during the Met’s 125 anniversary celebration. Here’s  Glück das mir verblieb as sung by Fleming at the gala. Now listen to virtually the same music ( Glück, das mir verblieb ) sung by the incomparable Joseph Schmidt in a recording made 76 years ago.

Joseph Schmidt

Joseph Schmidt

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