Opera

A powerful opera in a good performance but with inadequate presentation [SB]

This latest addition to the rather meagre discography of Lucie de Lammermoor will leave no one feeling shortchanged [GF]

A mix of popular and little-known works, which is a joy from beginning to end [MC]

A rare misfire in Decca’s hugely impressive opera back-catalogue [LD]

Ignored for over 200 years, Salieri’s opera finally receives its time in the spotlight [MC]

(Déjà Review) A multitude of thanks are due to Naxos for this, proof positive that there is infinite joy to be gleaned from Rossinian by-roads [CC]

Plácido Domingo‘s formidable reading of the title role, and excellent singing by others [GF]

Diverting but not definitive [SW]

A thoroughly enjoyable, beautifully sung outing for this rarely heard version of Donizetti’s masterpiece [RMo]

A Vivaldi opera performed with sensitivity, warmth and charm [MP]

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