Dynamic

A mostly successful recital of early Scriabin with a couple of rarities [RCh]

A very good way to discover the attractions of Mascagni’s second opera [RWe]

An intriguing revival of music which makes grand gestures but mostly remains oddly bland and uninvolving [RMo]

A modern-dress production that plays it pretty straight, and a very strong singing team [ST]

Pleasant, undemanding and unremarkable [DJB]

A spectacular staging of a visually impressive and finely performed Ring from Bulgaria [GT]

A first video release of Bellini’s early work features some attractive singing and an elegant, if quirky, production [MP]

The Pavarotti- Freni recording still reigns, but this newest version is a worthy competitor [GF]

This world premiere recording is an appetising taster for more Porpora [GF]

Attractive miniatures in the mould of Schumann and Mendelssohn [RCh]

A welcome reissue of Malipiero’s compact cycle [JW]

Will challenge entrenched attitudes toward the solo music of Ferdinando Carulli [ZT]

Another impressive release by the Donizetti Opera festival, uncut and on original instruments [RWe]

One new Verdi discovery combined with some previously released material, all neatly performed [MP]

This recording shows that Stradella was one of the great composers of the 17th century [JV]

The British Harmonica School in safe Italian hands [JW]