Albert Lortzing: Zar und Zimmermann

Zar und Zimmermann (Tsar and Carpenter) is the first comic opera (1837) by Albert Lortzing (1801--1851), libretto is written by composer. Van Bett, the Burgomaster of Saardam, is a template for comic bass personage in 19th century and later. His aria "O Sancta Justitia!" and scene of audition "Heil sei dem Tag!" (Hail the Day!) are amazing.

Peter the Great: Raymond Wolansky
Peter Ivanov: Peter Haage
Van Bett: Hans Sotin
Marie: Lucia Popp
Admiral Lefort: Herbert Fliether
Lord Syndham: Noël Mangin
Marquis de Châteauneuf: Horst Wilhelm
Widow Browe: Ursula Boese
Officer: Franz Grundheber

Ballet and Chorus of the Hamburg State Opera
The Philharmonic State Orchestra Hamburg
Charles Mackerras, conductor

Gyula Trebitsch, director
(arranged for TV by Joachim Hess)

Recorded 1969