Gluck: Orfeo ed Euridice

I sometimes come across some good finds while exploring for new works to try out. There is a free Creative Commons MP3 version of Gluck's Orfeo ed Euridice from 1951 with the Berlin Municipal Opera conducted by Artur Rother. I did find reference to an excerpts LP on DG [pictured below] from the period, and this is may be a studio or live performance, released in the US on the Urania label in 1952, but I cannot say for certain this was a DG release or not. Regardless, the cast includes Margatete Klose as Orfeo [female lead replacing castrato], Erna Berger as Euridice and Rita Streich as Amor. The recording is mono of course, but the performance is quite enjoyable and the sound quality acceptable, and it is a good way to be introduced to Gluck's operas.

Now the good part: You can get this recording for free. It has been released online in several locations, but the easiest place is here at Liber.it The page is in Italian, but no problem, scroll to the bottom and you will see the 24 tracks to download. Make sure you right-click to save the files since your browser may try to just play the MP3s. You may want a libretto or at least a synopsis, so check out the links below.

Librettos [under Gluck; ORFEO]
Synopsis at reference.com
MP3 download from Liber.it

Artwork for the Excerpts LP and a recent CD release: