Verdi
Verdi: Il trovatore (Pristine Audio)
This Pristine remastering is now the best option for hearing a classic, vintage account [RMo]
Teatro La Fenice Opera Collection Vol 1 (Dynamic)
A mixed bag of operatic performances from La Fenice contains some unexpected riches, but the choice of repertoire is unusual [PCG]
Verdi: Complete Ballet Music (BR Klassik)
If you like ballet music, this engaging CD should be in your collection [KT]
Amelita Galli-Curci (soprano): Operatic arias Vol. 1 (Nimbus Records)
A truly great lyric coloratura soprano of the early 20th century, showcased in first-rate transfers [RMo]
Verdi: Don Carlo (Orfeo)
The best live Italian version in the best sound available [RMo]
Verdi: Il trovatore (Pristine Audio)
An obligatory buy for lovers of Il trovatore, never mind how many modern recordings you have [GF]
Maria – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Warner Classics)
Callas’ voice restored for a film score; if you love her voice, maybe this is one for you [KT]
Verdi: Rigoletto (Warner Classics)
An under-rated, somewhat overlooked recording featuring an array of superb voices, very well conducted [RMo]
Verdi: Noble Renegades – recital (Delos)
Sound, solid singing does not compensate for a lack of tonal variety, elegance and refinement [RMo]
Verdi: Don Carlo (Orfeo)
Not only die-hard Verdians but all serious opera lovers should give it a try [GF]
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]
Roberto Alagna (tenor): Roberto Alagna 60 (Aparté)
A vital and compelling celebration of Roberto Alagna’s 60th birthday [GF]
Verdi: Noble Renegades – Scenes & Arias (Delos)
A stimulating and well-sung programme with lots of atmosphere from the stage [GF]
Günther Groissböck (bass) I live alone in my heaven (Gramola)
A profile of the singer Günther Groissböck – no revelations, but there’s always the voice [ST]
Verdi: Rigoletto (Warner Classics)
A powerful recording with much to commend it in spite of a few failings among the cast [MP]
Verdi: Il trovatore (High Definition Tape Transfers)
A legendary classic from the early 1950s is resurrected in revelatory high definition sound [GF]
Verdi: Il Trovatore (Divina Records)
One of Callas’ most inspired performances now slightly more listenable [MBu]
475 Jahre Sächsische Staatskapelle Dresden (Profil)
Many first-class performances to celebrate the 475th anniversary of the Staatskapelle Dresden [MC]
Leontyne Price (soprano) Personal Choice (Alto)
One of the most glorious female voices of the 20th century, in a selection from famous recordings [EJW]
New Year’s Concert – Teatro La Fenice 2023 (C Major)
A pleasing concert that will almost certainly cheer you up [MMB]
Verdi: Nabucco (Deutsche Grammophon)
(Déjà Review) Worth the price for Guleghina’s Abigaille [RJF]
Verdi: Nabucco (Deutsche Grammophon)
Sinopoli and a powerhouse cast reveal unsuspected depths in Verdi’s early opera [MP]