This unique recording of rare Beethoven’s rare oratorio Christus am Olberge, op. 85 features famed tenor Fritz Wunderlich. The oratorio, which translates to Christ on the Mount of Olives, portrays the emotional turmoil of Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane prior to his crucifixion. It premiered in 1803 in Vienna, and in 1809 it was Beethoven’s first success in the United States. German lyric tenor Fritz Wunderlich was well-known during his unfortunately short career as a specialist in Mozart repertory and lieder. Before the accident that cut his life short at the age of 35, he performed and recorded a large catalog of works, gaining him a dedicated following of fans even today.
