Opera

Not for nothing has this Offenbach been counted among the five all-time great recordings of French opera [CH]

A cunningly devised programme ideally showcasing Quasthoff’s vocal versatility and dramatic gifts [RMo]

Some good performances do little to redeem this drab, even absurd production of Meistersinger [LW]

(Déjà Review) This has an unmistakably authentic feel about it [TH]

Charming but stylistically uniform arias from Turin in the later 18th century [CRo]

The only recording of Schmidt’s second opera does full justice to an unjustly neglected work [EJW]

A pleasure to hear Björling in these excellent Pristine transfers, even if these two roles are not amongst his greatest [PT]

The best of a composer forever doomed to dwell in Verdi’s shadow, performed by a first-rate cast and starring the great Nelly Miricioiu [RMo]

Javier Camarena as Fernand is worth a listen, but the singing on the whole is too compromised for a general recommendation [GF]

A lovely supplement to the complete live recording in much better sound [RMo]

A welcome return to the catalogue of an excellent performance [RJF]

Thrilling Orfeo ed Euridice starring Jakub Józef Orliński [DF]

(Déjà Review) A stunning recording – overcome your prejudice and buy it [RMK]

(Déjà Review) This well sung performance in traditional sets and costumes will provide much enjoyment [RJF]

There is much to savour in this 59 year-old set [MP]

(Déjà Review) James’ story in Britten’s setting emerges magnificently [CC]

One of the most glorious female voices of the 20th century, in a selection from famous recordings [EJW]

Coarse at times, but often exciting, as one would expect a bleeding nun to be [MP]

A valuable documentation of Delman’s versatility, musically, repertoire-wise and linguistically [GF]

The first-ever Faust opera based on Goethe – and from a feminine perspective [PCG]

The culmination of a great Ring cycle has a place among the best: scintillating singing, playing and conducting [RMo]

A good but not quite superlative recording in enhanced sound [MBu]

Despite cuts and a less than perfect ensemble, the sense of being a part of an exciting occasion is boldly realized here [MP]

A Wagner production from hell to be avoided at all possible costs [PCG]