Opera

Ferrier brings real passion, classical purity and strength of line [RH]

The elixir of love conquers all [PH]

A collection of Parisian delicacies served in fine style [MP]

This new Idomeneo is almost the one we have all been waiting for [MP]

(Déjà Review) Strictly for opera addicts interested in how it used to be done [RJF]

(Déjà Review) Has changed the whole way I listen to Billy Budd (AO]

(Déjà Review) Singers who know how to sing Offenbach and to act it [JPJ]

(Déjà Review) I’ll be coming back to this again and again [ST]

(Déjà Review) Varnay and Fischer are superb, alas in compromised sound [DH]

A fine, newly discovered Baroque opera receives a confident debut recording [MP]

With Pristine’s remastering, this becomes a worthy alternative to more modern recordings [GF]

A vivacious and engaging competition-winning masque performed with real style [JW]

Vocally flawed and dramatically inert; you can do much better with either a vintage recording or the recent Decca issue [RMo]

A sparkling pair of Ravel’s contrasting operas, justifying their status as “gramophone classics” [RMo]

A new Idomeneo and another excellent release from Rattle and the Bavarians [PH]

An enjoyably theatrical recording [SWe]

A Baroque masterpiece that has been skillfully prepared but is compromised by irritating microphone placement [MP]

A classy production of an unfamiliar opera with a more than respectable cast of singers [MP]

(Déjà Review) A forgotten gem which deserves to be rediscovered [RH]

An intriguing rarity, mostly adequately sung but musically very patchy and dramatically incoherent [RMo]

(Déjà Review) Pleasantly lyrical and pure-toned [RW]

by Philip Harrison

Once again, Pristine breathes new life into two established and indispensable recital classics [RMo]

(Déjà Review) A generally well sung performance in the composer’s home town should be watched by opera producers as well as Verdi lovers [RJF]