Opera

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

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Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Morrison Music Trust)

(Déjà Review) With the frisson of live recording and none of the drawbacks, this set can confidently be recommended on all counts [TH]

Albéniz: Henry Clifford (Decca)

(Déjà Review) Recommended for those looking for a vivid unfamiliar score to get their teeth into [LF]

Verdi: Un ballo in maschera (Pentatone)

In no way does this new recording displace its illustrious predecessors except in terms of the clarity of its digital sound [RMo]

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Monologues (Prospero)

An outstanding album, groundbreaking in repertoire and programming, beautifully performed and recorded [GPu]

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Herrmann: Wuthering Heights (Chandos)

Cathy finally comes home in Herrmann’s magnum opus superbly performed [NB]

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Puccini: Manon Lescaut (Deutsche Grammophon)

(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]

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Refice: Cecilia (Dynamic)

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

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Caldara: Arias for Bass (Pan Classics)

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

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Handel: Tamerlano (Avie)

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

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Franck: Hulda (Bru Zane)

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

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Donizetti: La Favorita (Pristine Audio)

Donizetti sung boldly, but not always stylishly [MP]

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Handel: Arminio (Erato)

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

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Mattheson: Boris Goudenow (cpo)

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

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Berlioz: Les Troyens (LSO Live)

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

Puccini: Turandot (C Major)

A dazzling Turandot that spectacularly misses the point [LD]

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Wagner: Der fliegende Holländer (Deutsche Grammophon)

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

HERRMANN Wuthering Heights chandos

Herrmann: Wuthering Heights (Chandos)

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

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Weber: Oberon (Philips)

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

Spontini: La Vestale (Bru Zane)

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

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Verdi: Don Carlo (C Major)

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

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Britten: Noye’s Fludde (Pristine Audio)

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

Lincke: Frau Luna (cpo)

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

Mozart: …che cosa è amor… (Warner Classics)

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

Handel: Cleofida, Königin von Indien (cpo)

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