Opera

Dame Janet Baker’s unparalleled stage performance of Orfeo makes a triumphant return to the catalogues [PCG]

A musically outstanding but unusual production of Rossini’s splendid opera [RWe]

Simon Rattle’s traversal of the Ring finally reaches Siegfried, with highly recommendable results [PCG]

Impressive and likely to remain unchallenged for a very long time [MP]

A superbly realised version of Tchaikovsky’s essentially domestic opera avoids any elements of tragic inflation [PCG]

A first video release of a rare Schreker opera deserves a heartfelt welcome [PCG]

A highly interesting collection of rare baroque arias [GF]

by Ralph Moore

A fine performance of an oddball Bizet curiosity, but Mozart’s orchestration and vocal variety are sorely missed [MZ]

(Déjà Review) A vocally definitive version [RMK]

A problematic genre gives a reviewer problems [JW]

(Déjà Review) A mouth-watering cast gives a memorable performance [CF]

I have enjoyed hearing this praiseworthy collection of ten celebrated opera arias [MC]

The choral singing is first class, but the soloists are disappointing; the two old Gardelli recordings are better [GF]

An odd and at times rather sharp-edged and disconcerting satirical comedy [RMo]

by Ralph Moore

An interesting operatic curiosity featuring lush writing for the orchestra and chorus [MP]

This superb version shows the work to be better than its reputation [RWe]

(Déjà Review) Essential listening for all Monteverdi enthusiasts [JF]

A disk for all lovers of melodious music with substance; a happy mix, superbly played [GF]

This recording is an established classic, and should be in every decent opera collection, especially in this newest incarnation [GF]

A jewel of a recording, splendidly remastered by Pristine [MP]

Well received when launched, with good singing and staging, this problematic production treats the title role unsympathetically [RWe]

Yes – we are hearing something special here [RMo]