Opera

Reviews of full operas as well as collections and recitals of arias

Il castrato del granduca – Arias for Gaetano Berenstadt (Glossa)

A highly interesting collection of rare baroque arias [GF]

Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus

by Ralph Moore

Mozart: Don Juan (Narodowy Institut Fryderyka Chopin)

A fine performance of an oddball Bizet curiosity, but Mozart’s orchestration and vocal variety are sorely missed [MZ]

Strauss, Johann Jr.: Die Fledermaus (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) A vocally definitive version [RMK]

Rodwell: Jack Sheppard (Retrospect Opera)

A problematic genre gives a reviewer problems [JW]

Cherubini: Medea (RCA)

(Déjà Review) A mouth-watering cast gives a memorable performance [CF]

Where is my Beloved Siurina Delos DE3602

Ekaterina Siurina (soprano) Where Is My Beloved? (Delos)

I have enjoyed hearing this praiseworthy collection of ten celebrated opera arias [MC]

Verdi I Lombardi Munich RSO BR Klassik 900351

Verdi: I Lombardi alla Prima Crociata (BR Klassik)

The choral singing is first class, but the soloists are disappointing; the two old Gardelli recordings are better [GF]

Wof-Ferrari I quatro rusteghi Rubicon RCD1024

Wolf-Ferrari: I quatro rusteghi (Rubicon)

An odd and at times rather sharp-edged and disconcerting satirical comedy [RMo]

Flotow’s Martha

by Ralph Moore

Atterberg: Aladin (cpo)

An interesting operatic curiosity featuring lush writing for the orchestra and chorus [MP]

Giordano: Andrea Chénier (Bayerische Staatsoper Recordings)

This superb version shows the work to be better than its reputation [RWe]

Monteverdi: Stage Works (Apex)

(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts [JF]

Verismo preludes Onyx4242

Verismo – Preludi e Intermezzi (Onyx)

A disk for all lovers of melodious music with substance; a happy mix, superbly played [GF]

cherubini medea pristine

Cherubini: Medea (Pristine Audio)

This recording is an established classic, and should be in every decent opera collection, especially in this newest incarnation [GF]

Puccini manon PACO205

Puccini: Manon Lescaut (Pristine Audio)

A jewel of a recording, splendidly remastered by Pristine [MP]

Donizetti: Don Pasquale (Opus Arte)

Well received when launched, with good singing and staging, this problematic production treats the title role unsympathetically [RWe]

Puccini: The Great Puccini (Deutsche Grammophon)

Yes – we are hearing something special here [RMo]

Lully: Thésée (Aparté)

Lully’s Thésée sounds glorious in this period-instrument performance [MC]

Humperdinck Königskinder Naxos 2.110759

Humperdinck: Königskinder (Naxos)

An enjoyable production of Humperdinck’s King’s Children, beautifully performed in effective modern staging [EJW]

cherubini medea warner

Cherubini: Medea (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) The set should be heard for its documentation of an extraordinary musical meeting [CH]

Ekaterina Siurina (soprano): Where Is My Beloved? (Delos)

A stream of imperturbably sedate tone, virtually devoid of characterisation [RMo]

Puccini: Tosca (Pentatone)

An indifferent Scarpia, so this is not a premier choice, but great singing by Melody Moore and Ștefan Pop [GF]

Weyse: Sovedrikken [The Sleeping Draught] (Dacapo)

(Déjà Review) The score is bright, carries warm harmonies and is fast moving with enjoyable themes, and catchy motifs [RW]