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Be sure this makes it under your next Christmas tree [MP]

Beautiful sounds in big-boned arrangements which are best sample piecemeal rather than all at once [MP]

This remains a powerful experience 49 years after its initial release [MP]

An exciting, red-blooded performance, captured live in the clearest sound of any available version [MP]

A feast of stylish bel canto singing for the two stars but the rest of the cast can only struggle though [MP]

A near total success that still wins the day among available recordings [MP]

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

A dazzling achievement all around [MP]

Pleasant music in good but not exceptional performances [MP]

A movingly immersive experience [MP]

Impressive and likely to remain unchallenged for a very long time [MP]

A real Winner! [MP]

An interesting operatic curiosity featuring lush writing for the orchestra and chorus [MP]

A jewel of a recording, splendidly remastered by Pristine [MP]

A boldly dramatic performance which has the feel of a major event about it [MP]

A superbly persuasive recording of Tippett’s most difficult opera [MP]

A pleasant hour of music basking in a warmly resonant recording [MP]

A staging of French baroque opera at its finest [MP]

A welcome release, but with one important shortcoming [MP]

A fine tribute to the late conductor which currently has the field to itself on CD [MP]

A buttoned–up attempt to transfer verismo opera to Poland, simply misses the point [MP]

A premiere recording that is mainly of interest to Opera Seria completionists [MP]

There are a few winners here, but no consistency [MP]

This illuminating performance is worth investigating [MP]