Opera
Reviews of full operas as well as collections and recitals of arias
Cherubini: Les Abencérages (Bru Zane)
This first studio recording of Cherubini’s Les Abencérages is especially valuable [MC]
Mozart: Die verstellte Gärtnerin (CPO)
The new reference recording of Mozart’s Die verstellte Gärtnerin [DF]
Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro (Arthaus)
(Déjà Review) Technically dated and sung in German, but with a cast that sing and act to the manner born [GF]
Strauss: Elektra (Sterling)
A thrilling piece of live theatre commemorating the career of a great singer, despite cuts [RMo]
Puccini: Turandot (Warner Classics)
A fine entry to the Turandot discography with the original conclusion by Alfano [LD]
Mozart’s Idomeneo
A survey by Ralph Moore
Tchaikovsky: Iolanta/Stravinky: Mavra (Bayerische Staatsoper)
A marriage made in hell does no favours to either partner – perhaps we might hope for a divorce? [PCG]
Gomes: Salvator Rosa (Regis)
(Déjà Review) One can but thank Dorset Opera for their enterprise [CF]
Vivaldi: La Senna festeggiante (Château de Versailles Spectacles)
If you have no recording of this work in your collection, this is a good choice [JV]
Wagner: Golden Ring (Decca)
A sampler for the newly remastered Decca/Solti Ring demonstrates that the improvements are more than simply cosmetic [PCG]
Macfarren: The Soldier’s Legacy (Retrospect Opera)
A highly melodic Victorian opera – good tunes, vivacious duets, trio and quartets [JF]
Lortzing: Der Waffenschmied (Capriccio)
By and large, a worthy reading of Der Waffenschmied, and it is good to see a brand-new recording of the work [GF]
A guide to the best recordings of Gluck’s operas
by Ralph Moore
Verdi: Aïda (Pristine Audio)
A superlative transfer of an Aida which should be in every serious opera collection [PSt]
Marina Rebeka (soprano) Voyage (Prima Classic)
An attractive programme of songs by French composers [MC]
Handel: Giulio Cesare (Harmonia Mundi)
Probably the best DVD version and one of the best in any format [BW]
Auber: Le Philtre (Naxos)
This light-hearted comedy is charming entertainment and the presentation is worthy [GF]
Rautavaara: The Gift of the Magi (Arthaus Musik)
(Déjà Review) An intelligent, small-scale opera well performed, and accompanied by a moderately interesting documentary [Gpu]
Donizetti: Signor Gaetano (Pentatone)
A welcome debut recital which promises much for the future of bel canto singing [MP]
Korngold: Die Kathrin (cpo)
(Déjà Review) Music of your most romantic dreams and packing a grand emotional punch [RB]
Verdi: Rigoletto (Opus Arte)
An imaginative and involving production, but flawed by some intrusive and insensitive vulgarities [PCG]
Handel: Eternal Heaven (Erato)
Music making of the highest order for anyone with an open mind for whom no borderlines exist [GF]
Verdi: Falstaff (Urania)
Though Sir Geraint Evans is rather gruff and dry-toned, this lavishly cast recording is worth anyone’s money [GF]
Sibelius: The Tempest (Naxos)
Kamu has the measure of Sibelius’s complete Tempest music [LW]
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