Fritz Wunderlich's early recording of Bach's Christmas Oratorio, from a performance in the Stuttgart Markuskirche in 1955, presents the singer of the century at the beginning of his career. The other performances in this collection took place between 1955 and 1959 - they are studio recordings, all of them rarities from Wunderlich's repertoire, which exist only in this early series of Stuttgart radio productions.

This release is a new installment of the SWR’s comprehensive series with recordings of the one-time tenor Fritz Wunderlich. This album contains a unique collection of Early Music repertoire written before the era of J. S. Bach. The recordings date back to the 1940s and the 1950s, and have been digitally remastered to ensure an exquisite audio experience. Although he never realized his due as a truly international star in his lifetime, Fritz Wunderlich has since become a favorite of opera lovers the world over. One has only to listen to his stunning voice to become a devotee for life. His vocal quality and strength combined with effortless expression and touching lyrical beauty make him one of the truly great tenors of the 20th century and probably of all time.