Opera
Reviews of full operas as well as collections and recitals of arias
Johann Strauss II: Waldmeister (cpo)
An enthusiastic cast is featured in the first recording of Strauss’s final operetta [MP]
Donizetti: Maria Stuarda (C Major)
Some good singing in this bel canto gem; pity about the pathetic set and non-production [RJF]
Franco Corelli (tenor): The Alternative Repertoire (Urania Records)
A marvellous reminder of one of the best voices on record [DJa]
Giordano: Fedora (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) Domingo adds this Loris to his studio recorded audio legacy [RJF]
Kurtág: Fin de Partie (BMC)
The unmissable first recording of Kurtág’s masterpiece [DHa]
Caldara: Forgotten castrato arias (Erato)
(Déjà Review) A bouquet of fine arias by a great yet underestimated composer [JV]
Braunfels: Die Vögel (Arthaus Musik)
(Déjà Review) A superb recording that merits the highest praise [RC]
Rossini: Adina (Naxos)
The ongoing Rossini Wildbad series acquires a new and exquisite addition to its ranks [MP]
Sullivan: Ivanhoe (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) An excellent job … sure to please the harshest of critics [RW]
Verdi: Simon Boccanegra (Prima Classic)
A live recording of the 1881 version, with excellent sound, but vocally disappointing [DJa]
Handel: Serse (Erato)
Arrestingly beautiful, sung with passion and intensity [ST]
Charpentier: Actéon (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Lively performances of three compositions which show Charpentier’s theatrical instincts [JV]
Strauss: Intermezzo (Naxos)
A strikingly effective, imaginative production of Strauss’s rarely seen bourgeois comedy opera [EJW]
Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (Pristine Audio)
A classic that sounds better than ever, but look elsewhere for Figaro heaven [ST]
Mascagni: Zanetto (Oehms Classics)
A beautifully sung rarity which merits more revivals [RMo]
Rameau: Pygmalion & Iso: Zémide (Château de Versailles Spectacles)
A winning first appearance of Pierre Iso’s Zémide on disc, alongside a mellow account of Rameau’s Pygmalion [CRo]
Britten: The Beggar’s Opera (Chandos)
(Déjà Review) Must now be first choice for this work [MG]
Berg: Lulu (Opus Arte)
(Déjà Review) A fascinating set, one that is truly thought-provoking and stimulating [CC]
Braunfels: Jeanne d’Arc (Capriccio)
An important work in Braunfels’ output, exceptionally well served in this live recording. [JQ]
Verdi: Otello conducted by Toscanini (Pristine Audio)
(Déjà Review) Pick this one with confidence [ST]
Strauss: Der Rosenkavalier (Pristine Audio)
Pristine delivers a top notch refurbishment of this classic recording [MP]
Strauss: Intermezzo (Naxos)
Richard Strauss’s domestic drama powerfully reimagined by Tobias Kratzer [DHa]
Donizetti: Lucia di Lammermoor (EuroArts)
This is chiefly of interest to fans of the star soprano who want a souvenir of her in this role [MP]
