Ernst Gutstein; Fritz Wunderlich; Lia Montoya; Hans Herbert Fiedler; Willy Ferenz; Wolfgang Anheisser; Max Probst; Georg Pappas; Friedrich Lenz; Romuald Pekny; Rolf Boysen; Hans Stein; Karl Hanft; Eduard Linkers; Wolfried Lier; Til Kiwe; Siegurd Fitzek; Walter Holton; Peter Eschbert; Chor und Sympho - Werner Egk: Columbus

The first attempts at 'radio opera', the adaptation of stage works for radio, were carried out in Berlin, followed soon after by commissions for original works in the medium. General comprehensibility was the most important principle and the listener was intended to have an exciting listening experience with the help of modern technical means. Although still lacking in dramatic musical experience, Werner Egk sensed the fascination emanating from this avant-garde genre, taking as his chief model for Columbus Stravinskyis Oedipus Rex. The experienced conductor Hermann Scherchen stood by him as advisor.