Opera

Hardly a Pagliacci to stir the blood; there is much better to be had in terms of both singing and sound [RMo]

A thoroughly disappointing recording, poorly sung, indifferently conducted and afflicted by problems in the recorded balance [RMo]

Much here is vivid and compelling, especially with Pristine’s enhanced sound, but for me de Sabata prevails [RMo]

Mostly unheard gems by less familiar composers of the Bel canto era [MP]

As satisfying an account of the youthful Puccini’s first success as one could wish to encounter [RMo]

A performance which captures the absolute essence of Verdi’s masterpiece in remarkably fine sound [PSt]

An important Tosca from Deutsche Grammophon [PH]

An important example of the rich artistic legacy of the Elder/Hallé partnership [MC]

A fine Dutchman whose focus is firmly centred upon Lise Davidsen’s radiant Senta [RMo]

An opera from the byways of Flury’s lighter output, to be enjoyed as a communal experience [EJW]

Pristine elevates the sonic experience of hearing two great artists in their Met debuts [RMo]

An important addition to Naïve’s ongoing series of the complete works of Vivaldi [MP]

An excellent performance of an unjustly neglected opera [RMas]

by Philip Harrison

by Ralph Moore

I Lituani may not be on the same level as La Gioconda, but it shows that Ponchielli wasn’t a one-work composer [GF]

No masterwork but an interesting find reawakened after two centuries [GF]

This must now become first choice for the original version [RMo]

Undemanding delight, witty repartee, romantic enchantment [RB]

A disappointing version of a disappointing work [SB]

The best Tosca released in the past half-century [GF]

(Déjà Review) A good place to start if you do not know Rameau’s fascinating operas [RH]

Revelatory and thoroughly engrossing [DF]

A tour de force from the leading dramatic soprano of the modern age [PH]