Opera

(In Memoriam Déjà Review) Forget the limitations of this early video transcript and glory in Puccini’s music and the committed acting and singing [RJF]

Excellent orchestral playing, choral singing and conducting compromised by sub-par solo voices and thus a missed opportunity [RMo]

It is good to have almost a dozen never before recorded arias from Caldara in excellent readings [GF]

(Déjà Review) A great work which deserves to be discovered or rediscovered through this fine set [KM]

This splendid recording reveals Franck’s opera to be a work of power and beauty [SB]

Donizetti sung boldly, but not always stylishly [MP]

All Handel lovers will want to own this, the first recording of Arminio [KM]

Anyone with an interest in baroque opera should contemplate the acquisition of this premiere recording [GF]

(Déjà Review) The finest opera CD I have heard this year [MB]

A dazzling Turandot that spectacularly misses the point [LD]

(Déjà Review) An unusual and challenging interpretation with exceptional performances by the two leads [AO]

Extracts from an almost unknown superb opera raise hopes for a new complete recording [PCG]

(Déjà Review) Playing and singing beautifully tailored to the score; an endless kaleidoscope of subtle colours [MC]

Rousset and his team breathe new life into what is now the top choice recording for Spontini’s greatest opera [MP]

A splendid memento of a magnificent production, despite too many cuts having been inflicted on the score [MP]

Two world première Britten recordings remastered by Pristine make an enticing offering [PCG]

A rare example of German operetta, well performed but flawed yet again by inadequate documentation [PCG]

(Déjà Review) I have derived much pleasure from this disc and I expect many opera lovers will like it too [GF]

Enriches the Händel discography and provides insight into Telemann’s talents as an arranger [DF]

(Déjà Review) Some of the most glorious tenor singing ever recorded [GF]

A very good way to discover the attractions of Mascagni’s second opera [RWe]

Highlights the variety of Handel’s invention and showcases a superb lead singer [RMo]

(Déjà Review) A great evening at the opera, crowned by Grace Bumbry’s great performance of Carmen [CH]

(Déjà Review) 67 minutes of unalloyed joy [RJF]