Three classic Callas remasterings

Callas remasterings

Naxos have just released expertly remastered recordings featuring Maria Callas in three of her greatest roles.

La Sonnambula (c. Votto)

Turandot (c. Serafin)

La bohème (c. Votto)


Optimising your iPod for operas

iPod for operas

Apple's iPod can be downright confusing when used with classical music. Here's how to set it up for best results with your operas.

Read more...


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Recommendations for July 2009

The Tempest - Thomas Adès

695 234-2

Recorded at the acclaimed revival of the opera at Covent Garden in 2007.

Royal Opera House Covent Garden Chorus, Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Adès, 2007.

Cast: Simon Keenleyside (Prospero), Kate Royal (Miranda), Ian Bostridge (Caliban), Cynthia Sieden (Ariel), Philip Langridge (King Alonso of Naples).

EMI 695 234-2

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La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker) - Vincenzo Bellini

8.111284-85

A classic studio recording, remastered from EMI's original LPs.

Milan La Scala Orchestra, Milan La Scala Chorus, conducted by Antonino Votto, 1957.

Cast: Maria Callas (Amina), Nicola Monti (Elvino), Nicola Zaccaria (Count Rodolfo), Fiorenza Cossotto (Teresa).

Naxos Historical 8.111284-85 (mono)

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La bohème (The Bohemians) - Giacomo Puccini

8.111332-33

A superb version for Callas lovers, and an excellent performance by Di Stefano.

Milan La Scala Orchestra, Milan La Scala Chorus, conducted by Antonino Votto, 1956.

Cast: Maria Callas (Mimi), Giuseppe Di Stefano (Rodolfo), Anna Moffo (Musetta), Rolando Panerai (Marcello).

Naxos Historical 8.111332-33 (mono)

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Turandot - Giacomo Puccini

8.111334-35

Callas is superb as the princess in this classic studio recording, remastered from EMI's original LPs.

Milan La Scala Orchestra, Milan La Scala Chorus, conducted by Tullio Serafin, 1957.

Cast: Maria Callas (Princess Turandot), Eugenio Fernandi (Calaf), Dame Elisabeth Schwarzkopf (Liù), Nicola Zaccaria (Timur).

Naxos Historical 8.111334-35 (mono)

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ArkivMusic

Macbeth - Giuseppe Verdi

2.110258

A good production with adequate singing.

Marchigiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Marchigiana Vincenzo Bellini Lyric Chorus, conducted by Daniele Callegari, 2007.

Cast: Giuseppe Altomare (Macbeth), Olha Zhuravel (Lady Macbeth), Pavel Kudinov (Banquo), Rubens Pelizzari (Macduff).

Naxos DVD 2.110258

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The Crucible - Robert Ward

xxx

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Albany Records xxx

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eMusic

Der Rosenkavalier (The Knight of the Rose) - Richard Strauss

581083

An outstanding live recording from a festival performance at the Münchner Nationaltheater in 1973.

Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Bayerisches Staatsorchester, conducted by Carlos Kleiber, 1973.

Cast: Claire Watson (Die Feldmarschallin), Brigitte Fassbaender (Octavian), Karl Ridderbusch (Baron Ochs), Lucia Popp (Sophie), Benno Kusche (Faninal).

Orfeo 581083

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Pelléas et Mélisande (Pelléas and Mélisande) - Claude Debussy

GFOCD 003-63

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Vittorio Gui, 1963.

Glyndebourne GFOCD 003-63

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