Opera

A valiant effort all-around but the cast is largely disappointing in vocal accomplishment [MP]

This issue must now be the top recommendation for this classic historic performance [GF]

A late satiric opera by Antheil, splendidly realised, devoid of Bad Boy but not devoid of spice and wit [JW]

(Déjà Review) All lovers of the bel canto genre will want to add this well-packaged and presented performance to their collection [RJF]

Utopia, dreams, rituals: the essence of Tippett in his final opera [PH]

A comic Czech opera recorded in 1959 heard for the first time in stereo [JW]

A thrilling live performance, worth hearing, if not the last word in Nilsson/Corelli versions of Turandot [PT]

Quite similar recordings, both with many but different strengths, so difficult to choose between [RMo]

(Déjà Review) May not outdo the competition completely but belongs up there among the best [GF]

Valuable both for the singing of Fagioli and for the rare repertoire that has been rescued for posterity after two centuries of neglect [GF]

This production does not quite support the opinion that Doktor Faust is one of the great operas [RWe]

Wolf-Ferrari’s charming one act opera in an excellent performance which will do very nicely [PT]

By general consensus, the essential Norma recording, now in a superior transfer [RWe]

(Déjà Review) A dramatically vivid performance of the Neapolitan version of Cavalli’s opera [RH]

Five stars for Pristine’s sound rejuvenation but apart from Callas, the performance doesn’t live up to the quality of the transfer [MP]

This complements but does not replace Opus Arte’s 2018 filmed performance [RWe]

(Déjà Review) A very welcome DVD release of one of English National Opera’s finer achievements [JL]

A great recording of a classic of the Verdi canon in its original version [PH]

An exciting and well sung account of Massenet’s biblical opera [RWe]

A fine presentation of Boito’s unjustly neglected opera [WK]

This revival of a rare Massenet opera is compromised by a lack of melodic memorability and some less than ingratiating singing [rmo]

Very high musical standards are let down by a disappointing production [MP]

A thoroughly enjoyable, very well sung and played – if rather small-scale – performance of a neglected Handel opera [RMo]

(Déjà Review) Delicate contrasts of mood and bright clear recording [RW]