Massenet
Mischa Elman (violin)The complete Victor recordings (1926-32) (Biddulph)
Elman’s glittering morceau (and some others) in splendid transfers [JW]
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]
Sonya Yoncheva (soprano) The Courtesan (SY11 Productions)
A captivating album of arias on a courtesan theme [MC]
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]
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]
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]
Nicola Benedetti (violin) Szymanowski, Saint-Saëns & Chausson (Deutsche Grammophon)
Quite a debut – a truly excellent Szymanowski [CC]
Essential Royal Ballet; Pas de Deux (Opus Arte)
A fine starter pack for exploring top-notch live ballet on film [RWe]
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]
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)
A splendid exploration of music set against the background of Classical mythology [JF]
Massenet: Werther (Warner Classics)
(Déjà Review) This issue will be prized by admirers of the two principals, but there are drawbacks [CH]
Massenet: Thaïs (Decca)
Fleming is entirely convincing as a flirtatious and seductive courtesan for whom even a monk might risk his soul [RMay]
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