Franz Lehár’s gorgeous score is the main reason why The Merry Widow retains its timeless appeal, and it’s an especial treat in this remastered recording from 1962, translated into English and first time on CD.

It is blessed by the conducting of Franz Allers, whose energetic approach in this Merry Widow is familiar from his performance on the original Broadway cast album of My Fair Lady. Another reason why this album is such a treat is that it features opera singer Lisa Della Casa in the title role. Della Casa rose to fame thanks to her outstanding performances of the main soprano roles by Mozart and especially Richard Strauss; she is regarded as the greatest interpreter of all time of the title role of Strauss’s Arabella.

Also included are two bonus tracks of Bach and Schubert’s settings of the Ave Maria, recorded earlier in her career.