Opera

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]

Lully’s Thésée sounds glorious in this period-instrument performance [MC]

An enjoyable production of Humperdinck’s King’s Children, beautifully performed in effective modern staging [EJW]

(Déjà Review) The set should be heard for its documentation of an extraordinary musical meeting [CH]

A stream of imperturbably sedate tone, virtually devoid of characterisation [RMo]

An indifferent Scarpia, so this is not a premier choice, but great singing by Melody Moore and Ștefan Pop [GF]

(Déjà Review) The score is bright, carries warm harmonies and is fast moving with enjoyable themes, and catchy motifs [RW]

A subtle, carefully crafted opera, beautifully sung even if in the end it lacks melodic memorability [RMo]

Ten very well-filled discs documenting six glorious decades at the Paris Opera [RMo]

A superbly persuasive recording of Tippett’s most difficult opera [MP]

An astounding new opera from John Corigliano receives a benchmark performance [PCG]

An operatic rarity returns to the catalogue, and remains a worthwhile encounter [PCG]

by Ralph Moore

A musically and emotionally intense opera by a composer at the peak of his career [EJW]

Powerful performances, but spare and drab staging [LW]