Massenet

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Mischa Elman (violin)The complete Victor recordings (1926-32) (Biddulph)

Elman’s glittering morceau (and some others) in splendid transfers [JW]

Pene Pati Nessun Dorma Warner 5419789771

Pene Pati (tenor): Nessun Dorma (Warner Classics)

That Pene Pati is a talented tenor far beyond the ordinary is obvious, and I hope he isn’t tempted to take on heavier roles too early [GF]

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Sonya Yoncheva (soprano) The Courtesan (SY11 Productions)

A captivating album of arias on a courtesan theme [MC]

massenet werther bru zane

Massenet: Werther (Bru Zane)

A version with a baritone title role, much more than a curiosity [RWe]

American Virtuosa – Tribute to Maud Powell (Cedille)

(Déjà Review) I had anticipated dipping in to this disc, but found I could not switch it off [CF]

Aigul Akhmetshina (mezzo-soprano): Aigul (Decca)

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

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Martial Singher (baritone) French Opera Arias (Pristine Audio)

(Déjà Review) I defy anyone to play these tracks through once and not do so immediately again [ED]

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Massenet: Werther (Bru Zane)

I will return to this recording with pleasure when I am in baritone mood [GF]

Cherubini Quartet: The Complete Warner Classics Recordings (Warner Classics)

The Cherubini Quartet’s favourite and less well-remembered recordings [JW]

Véronique Gens (soprano): Paysage (Alpha Classics)

Delightful lost treasures from French musical history [JF]

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Nicola Benedetti (violin) Szymanowski, Saint-Saëns & Chausson (Deutsche Grammophon)

Quite a debut – a truly excellent Szymanowski [CC]

Essential Royal Ballet and Pas de Deux Opus Arte OA1379BD

Essential Royal Ballet; Pas de Deux (Opus Arte)

A fine starter pack for exploring top-notch live ballet on film [RWe]

Massenet Le Cid Domingo Bumbry Sony 88697454942

Massenet: Le Cid (Sony Classical)

This version of Massenet’s opera is somewhat marred by the coarse recording, but there are a few thrills to be encountered nonetheless [MP]

Mischa Elman (violin): The Complete RCA Victor Recordings (Biddulph)

An Elman discographic lacuna is put right; fine transfers too [JW]

Massenet: Thaïs (Chandos)

Massenet’s opera is superbly rejuvenated in a recording which sweeps the field of all other versions [MP]

Mischa Elman (violin) plays Mozart and Paganini (Biddulph)

RCA LPs restored, showing Elman schmoozing his way through Mozart and encore trinkets [JW]

Kathleen Parlow (violin): Complete Recordings (Biddulph)

A long overdue salute to an overlooked Auer student and a Canadian violinist of technical polish [JW]

LOpera de Paris Malibran CDRG215

The Paris Opera 1900-1960 (Malibran Music)

Ten very well-filled discs documenting six glorious decades at the Paris Opera [RMo]

ek-stasis divine art

Ek-Stasis (Divine Art)

A splendid exploration of music set against the background of Classical mythology [JF]

massenet werther warner

Massenet: Werther (Warner Classics)

(Déjà Review) This issue will be prized by admirers of the two principals, but there are drawbacks [CH]

massenet thais decca

Massenet: Thaïs (Decca)

Fleming is entirely convincing as a flirtatious and seductive courtesan for whom even a monk might risk his soul [RMay]