Leading Swiss Artists of the Concert and Opera Stage – Ernst Haefliger (MH 22/1974)

swissmusic

Ernst Haefliger was born in Davos in eastern Switzerland in 1919. After receiving a schoolteacher's diploma he started his musical studies - singing and violin - at the Zurich Conservatory.

Soon he became Switzerland’s leading lyrical tenor. It was Ferenc Fricsay, who introduced him to the world of opera. Ernst Haefliger began his long career as an opera singer at the Berlin Opera from 1952 to 1973. Since then his concert tours have spanned the globe, his repertoire embracing the complete range of vocal classical music.

Musical content

1. J. S. Bach: Ach mein Sinn, wo willst du endlich hin. From “Johannes-Passion”
Ernst Haefliger, Tenor; Münchner Bachorchester; Karl Richter, conductor
2. Georg Friedrich Handel: Ombra mai fu. From “Xerxes”
Ernst Haefliger, Tenor; Münchner Bachorchester; Karl Richter, conductor
3. W. A. Mozart: Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön. From “Die Zauberflöte”
Ernst Haefliger, Tenor; Radio Symphonie-Orchester Berlin; Ferenc Fricsay, conductor
4. Theodor Fröhlich: Aus der Ferne
Ernst Haefliger, Tenor; Karl Grenacher, piano
5. Rolf Liebermann: Mir tat die Helligkeit der Lampe weh. From “Chinesische Liebeslieder”
Ernst Haefliger, Tenor; Urs Vögelin, piano
6. Peter Mieg: Der Wagen gab uns den Himmel frei. From “Mit Nacht und Nacht”
Ernst Haefliger, Tenor; Basler Sinfonie-Orchester; Armin Jordan, conductor

Production information

Musica Helvetica MH 22. Leading Swiss Artists of the Concert and Opera Stage. Ernst Haefliger (Tenor). Produced 1974 for SBC / SRI by Lance Tschannen and Nicolas Lombard.

Background information

Switzerland is a small alpine nation shaped and influenced by great cultural cross-currents that have swept through Europe over centuries. Out of elements of diversity, the people of this country have forged a distinctly Swiss identity. And music is one of its most eloquent expressions. “Musica Helvetica” explores different facets of music in Switzerland from its earliest beginnings to the latest works of modern Swiss composers, from folk music to rock and jazz. This historical series span the years 1973 to 1998. These recordings are not available.