Opera

(Déjà Review) This is a recording which instilled in me a love of the opera which has so far not died; it will surely do the same for many new listeners [CH]

A marvellous restoration of an old and half-forgotten recording [GF]

A beautiful, subtle, yet fully effective portrait of grief [MBu]

An attractive programme, very well sung, with several rarities [GF]

An interesting and enterprising recital but a question mark over the suitability of the voice for some of the material [PT]

The best new Parsifal recording since Kubelik [SSc]

A survey by Ralph Moore

Sound, solid singing does not compensate for a lack of tonal variety, elegance and refinement [RMo]

An interesting Billy Budd, but not a library choice [ST]

Not only die-hard Verdians but all serious opera lovers should give it a try [GF]

(Déjà Review) I enjoyed the fluency and vibrancy of this live performance [RJF]

This third instalment of the Knappertsbusch Ring will not disappoint enthusiasts [SB]

That Pene Pati is a talented tenor far beyond the ordinary is obvious, and I hope he isn’t tempted to take on heavier roles too early [GF]

An uneven opera but it’s presented in a performance that crackles with electricity [JQ]

An excellent souvenir [RWe]

An authentically French, operetta-style Carmen of the kind you will not hear today – but over-refined and lacking punch [RMo]

A captivating album of arias on a courtesan theme [MC]

A vital and compelling celebration of Roberto Alagna’s 60th birthday [GF]

An opera with patches of real brilliance in a more than acceptable recording [MP]

A debut recital that every lover of great singing should treasure [GF]

A good alternative choice recording featuring some very winning performances among the cast [MP]

An excellent performance and recording of this magnificent, all but unknown opera [PSh]

A stimulating and well-sung programme with lots of atmosphere from the stage [GF]

Idomeneo tastefully presented but takes the risk of being too often over-refined [MP]