Opera

Fleming is entirely convincing as a flirtatious and seductive courtesan for whom even a monk might risk his soul [RMay]

A first video release of Bellini’s early work features some attractive singing and an elegant, if quirky, production [MP]

A delightful baroque double bill in an enjoyable period production and setting [PCG]

The level of the singing is such that I cannot, with the best will in the world, recommend this issue [GF]

Hearing Cesare Siepi in his mature youth is a treat indeed [GF]

A modern take on a Handelian opera which for once makes dramatic sense, and is good fun as well [PCG]

The Pavarotti- Freni recording still reigns, but this newest version is a worthy competitor [GF]

Revitalised sound permits us to re-appreciate the manifest virtues of this recording, despite its flaws [RMo]

(Déjà Review) Difficult to imagine a more focused or fervent performance [CC]

Uncertain singing, but honest music-making and interesting repertoire [GF]

Superbly remastered, a second-rank Donizetti opera blighted by Poggi’s unattractive contribution [RMo]

Baroque opera enthusiasts should snap up this disc [GF]

This world premiere recording is an appetising taster for more Porpora [GF]

A survey by Ralph Moore

For me, the two outer tracks alone make this anthology of final scenes compulsory [RMo]

(Déjà Review) The pleasure that Caballé’s beautiful tone and imaginative approach gives is enormous [JS]

Exotically scored but melodically diffuse, this melodrama is given the best possible advocacy [RMo]

A reissue of a unique and valuable recording undermined by catastrophic failures of presentation [PCG]

This first studio recording of Cherubini’s Les Abencérages is especially valuable [MC]

The new reference recording of Mozart’s Die verstellte Gärtnerin [DF]

(Déjà Review) Technically dated and sung in German, but with a cast that sing and act to the manner born [GF]

A thrilling piece of live theatre commemorating the career of a great singer, despite cuts [RMo]

A fine entry to the Turandot discography with the original conclusion by Alfano [LD]

A survey by Ralph Moore