Search - Fritz Wunderlich: Life and Legend on DVD

Make sure you know your German

Roderick Keech | Australia | 12/28/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Fritz Wunderlich was without doubt one of the best tenors of the 20th century. Little known outside Germany, as he only really sang in German, he died prematurely in an accident, at the peak of his career, thus depriving us of untold future gems. It was with great excitement that I awaited the arrival of this DVD, the first to review his life and career, but be warned: the English subtitles are not on the screen long, and when they are, they are invariably over the name and association of the person talking, making some impossible to read. A very poor piece of QA from Deutsche Grammophon and Universal Classics. That being said, it is fantastic to finally have a chronicle of his life and art, and I strongly recommend this DVD. Interviews with his contemporaries (Christa Ludwig, Hermann Prey), and current mega-star Rolando Villazon complement the commentary of his surviving wife, Eva Wunderlich. In addition to the main programme of 58 minutes is a 49 minute bonus programme."

Excellent documentary of one of the best tenors ever

chelofilm | North Carolina | 09/03/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I really enjoyed the DVD which shed light on Fritz Wunderlich's background including his untimely death. I liked seeing the home movies that were interspersed with the archival footage of his development as an artist. For anyone interested in Classical music, particularly opera, this documentary is worth seeing. Although it is sad knowing that Fritz Wunderlich didn't have a normal life span in which to develop his artistry, he obviously enjoyed his life and had a "full life" as stated by his wife in interview segments."