Opera

(Déjà Review) This well sung performance in traditional sets and costumes will provide much enjoyment [RJF]

There is much to savour in this 59 year-old set [MP]

(Déjà Review) James’ story in Britten’s setting emerges magnificently [CC]

One of the most glorious female voices of the 20th century, in a selection from famous recordings [EJW]

Coarse at times, but often exciting, as one would expect a bleeding nun to be [MP]

A valuable documentation of Delman’s versatility, musically, repertoire-wise and linguistically [GF]

The first-ever Faust opera based on Goethe – and from a feminine perspective [PCG]

The culmination of a great Ring cycle has a place among the best: scintillating singing, playing and conducting [RMo]

A good but not quite superlative recording in enhanced sound [MBu]

Despite cuts and a less than perfect ensemble, the sense of being a part of an exciting occasion is boldly realized here [MP]

A Wagner production from hell to be avoided at all possible costs [PCG]

Remarkable sonic restoration, almost recreation, and a must for Verismo opera lovers [EJW]

A decent account of the score let down by vocalism which ranges from mediocre to poor [MBu]

Another majestic instalment of living theatre  – the best so far – in Kna’s 1956 Bayreuth Ring, in superb sound but again afflicted by persistent coughing [RMo]

A Baroque opera rarity is one of CVS’s happiest releases of recent years [MP]

(Déjà Review) A collector’s item specifically for opera buffs and Furtwängler fanatics which fills a gap in his recording legacy [AR]

A Stanford opera; uneven and unsatisfactory but beautifully presented [JW]

Pristine’s stereo remastering reveals its glories yet more vividly – but unfortunately also highlights the constant hacking of the audience and Windgassen’s coordination problems. [RMo]

(Déjà Review) Good sound, excellent playing and glorious singing [GF]

A great Callas recording is tidied up a bit, and her co-singers are brought into better focus [RMo]

A strong musical performance hampered by the directors’ silly concept and by technical issues with the sound [ST]

The only studio recording of Strauss’s biographical opera is a complete winner on all front [MP]

A good cast and excellent sound are featured on Rattle’s challenge to the Mackerras hegemony [MP]

A great performance revitalised in extraordinarily vivid sound – another Pristine remastering triumph [RMo]