Opera

by Ralph Moore

(Déjà Review) A bridge too far, too soon [RMo]

A mixed bag of achievements for the first recording in French of Mozart’s singspiel [MP]

by Nicholas Fuller

An interesting work which does not quite come off [SB]

A good performance can’t overcome the flaws in this opera [JQ]

Beecham gives a classic account of this gem of a score [MP]

A breath of fresh air [RW]

(Déjà Review) A desirable acquisition for lovers of baroque opera [GF]

Impressive performance of a neo-Wagnerian opera [NB]

A historical issue, the first Magic Flute to include dialogue, given a facelift and maintaining its significance after seventy years [PCG]

A very fine and fitting centenary tribute to Sir Charles Mackerras [JQ]

A revelatory addition to the ongoing series of the complete works of Vivaldi [MP]

A classic recording, with a great conductor and stellar singers, gets the Pristine treatment [RMo]

Listeners seeking a completely unabridged Elektra may want to give this haphazard ‘karaoke version’ a miss [SSc]

(Déjà Review) This recording is very welcome [CF]

Heavily derivative of its Wagnerian models, Chausson’s sole opera intermittently impresses but is overlong and somehow remains unmemorable [RMo]

A superb recital which should find a welcome home under any Christmas tree [MP]

(Déjà Review) Real emotional and sonic surge [DH] 

Greater than the “Recording of the Century” [LD]

An invaluable release [DHa]

A great Callas performance in a wonderful Verdi opera [PBW]

(Déjà Review) Has some fine qualities, especially its leading lady [RJF]

A new presentation, strong and full of woe, but only partially successful [PH]