Opera Reviews

Wagner: Arias (Klaus Florian Vogt)

In the battle of the heldentenors, it’s Kaufmann 1, Vogt 0

Puccini: Turandot DVD (Opera Australia)

This tenor’s performance is far from “Vincero”.

Alleluia (Julia Lezhneva)

It’s easy to sing the praises of Kiri Te Kanawa’s young protégée.

Wagner: Die Walkure (Gergiev)

Gergiev’s 21st-century Ring dream team take off in full Valkyrian flight.

Verdi: Complete Works

The ‘ne plus ultra’ of Verdi birthday boxes.

Vaughan Williams: A Cotswold Romance

Hickox knew British choral music like the back of his hand.

Handel: Alessandro (Cencic, Lezhneva, Gauvin, Atenea/Petrou)

Rival sopranos compete for Handelian glory.

Puccini: La Bohème (Anna Netrebko, Piotr Beczala – Salzburg Festival 2012)

A modern-dress Bohème that pleases eye and ear.

Wagner: Scales and Arias (Jonas Kaufmann, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin/Runnicles)

World-beating Wagner – faultless recital proves Kaufmann’s one heldentenor to rule them all.

Britten: Billy Budd (Glyndebourne)

Billy’s overdue Glyndebourne debut well worth the wait.

Gluck · Haydn · Mozart Arias: Marie-Nicole Lemieux

Lemieux shines her light on the musical Enlightenment.

Wagner arr Maazel: The Ring Without Words

With Brünnhilde on strike, Wagner reveals true strengths.

Villazón Sings Verdi

Villazón comeback continues with a tribute to Italy’s birthday boy.

18th-century Portuguese Love Songs

Sensuous melodies and rhythms in Baroque fado.

Vivica Genaux: A Tribute to Faustina Bordoni

Alaskan coloratura queen thaws 18th-century prima donna.

Wagner: Der Ring Des Nibelungen (Solti Remastered)

Twilight of the records: they just don’t make ‘em like this anymore.

Opera Australia: La Traviata on the Harbour (DVD)

A magnificent live production done justice on DVD.

James Rutherford: Most Grand to Die

British baritone wades into dark territory for his debut.

Handel: Giulio Cesare (Alan Curtis)

Baroque performances as fresh and crisp as a Caesar salad.

Glanville-Hicks: Sappho

One intrepid Australian woman champions the neglected opera of another.
 
 
Close Get the July 2013 issue of Limelight mailed to you for $8.50, including postage.

Buy now
Digital Version