Bizet

70 minutes of bon-bons beautifully played and well contrasted [RMo]

You might well find this mix irresistible whether as a guilty pleasure or a delight without any guilt at all [RB]

Two decent principal singers adrift in a sea of poor voices – a dispiriting issue [RMo]

A trio of early records by Alexander Gibson from the vaults [PH]

There is a reason why “The Golden Age of Singing” is so named here… [RMo]

Beecham gives a classic account of this gem of a score [MP]

A charming trio of French first symphonies – not major music, but beautifully played and exuding good humour [RMo]

Eva Zaïcik gives a fitting tribute to the artistry of Célestine Galli-Marié who created the role of Carmen [MC]

Alagna brings to each aria his familiar intelligence and musicality [RH]

Beecham’s stereo discography in a sturdy box albeit largely in pre-existing remasterings [JW]

A Beecham stereo treasury from the 1950s in wonderful sound [LM]

A remarkably listenable and comprehensive survey, showcasing the extraordinary depth of vocal talent available in Moscow in the first decade of the 20C [RMo]

by Alan George

A centenary salute to the early months of the revolutionary electrical recording process [jw]

Pristine Audio newly preserves Le Conte’s achievement in making Carmen as crisp and light as a freshly made churro [MP]

A mixed bag of operatic performances from La Fenice contains some unexpected riches, but the choice of repertoire is unusual [PCG]

Callas’ voice restored for a film score; if you love her voice, maybe this is one for you [KT]

Paris, Pelléas, Party – a winning trio in this sparkling collection [RCh]

A marvellous restoration of an old and half-forgotten recording [GF]

A survey by Ralph Moore

Familiar recordings, probably skippable [SV]

An authentically French, operetta-style Carmen of the kind you will not hear today – but over-refined and lacking punch [RMo]

Let’s party! [RMay]

By far the best mezzo-soprano to emerge for a generation [RMo]