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...


Welcome to OperaNights™, a comprehensive guide to operas, opera composers, and the best opera recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.

Recommendations for September 2010

Merlin - Karl Goldmark

PH09044

The first recording of this neglected opera.

Munich Philharmonic Choir, Philharmonie Festiva, conducted by Gerd Schaller.

Profil PH09044

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Taverner - Peter Maxwell Davies

NMCD157

A powerful performance of this important work, originally broadcast by the BBC in 1997.

BBC Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Oliver Knussen, 1997.

NMC NMCD157

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Cyrano de Bergerac - Franco Alfano

2.110270

Filmed in Valencia in 2007, Domingo and Radvanovsky repeat the roles they performed at New York's Metropolitan Opera to much acclaim.

Orquestra de la Comunitat Valenciana, Cor de la Generalitat Valenciana, conducted by Patrick Fournillier, 2007.

Cast: Plácido Domingo (Cyrano), Sondra Radvanovsky (Roxane), Arturo Chacón Cruz (Christian), Rod Gilfry (De Guiche), Itxaro Mentxaka (La Duègne/Sister Marthe).

Naxos 2.110270

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Der Ring des Nibelungen (The Ring of the Nibelung) - Richard Wagner

074 3264DH7

Known as "The Copenhagen Ring", this fresh interpretation with a relatively unknown cast and conductor created a stir because of its originality and emotion. Winner of a 2009 Gramophone Magazine award.

Royal Danish Opera, conducted by Michael Schønwandt, 2006.

Decca 074 3264DH7

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Nixon in China - John Adams

8.669022-24

Recorded live in Denver in 2008, this is a superb production, well recorded.

Colorado Symphony Orchestra, Opera Colorado Chorus, conducted by Marin Alsop, 2008.

Cast: Chen-Ye Yuan (Chou en-Lai), Robert Orth (Richard Nixon), Thomas Hammons (Henry Kissinger), Melissa Malde (First Secretary to Mao).

Naxos 8.669022-24

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Dido and Aeneas - Henry Purcell

OA 1018D

Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, Royal Opera Extra Chorus, conducted by Christopher Hogwood.

Cast: Sarah Connolly (Dido), Lucas Meachem (Aeneas), Lucy Crowe (Belinda).

Opus Arte OA 1018D

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Benvenuto Cellini - Hector Berlioz

2.110271

An imaginative modern production from the 2007 Salzburg Festival, with an outstanding performance by Maija Kovalevska as Teresa.

Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna State Opera Chorus Konzertvereinigung, conducted by Valery Gergiev, 2007.

Cast: Burkhard Fritz (Benvenuto Cellini), Brindley Sherratt (Balducci), Laurent Naouri (Fieramosca), Maija Kovalevska (Teresa), Kate Aldrich (Ascanio).

Naxos 2.110271

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Bluebeard's Castle - Béla Bartók

LSO 0685

Recorded live at the Barbican Hall, London, in 2009, this is a superb recording.

London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev, 2009.

Cast: Willard White (Bluebeard), Elena Zhidkova (Judith).

LSO Live LSO 0685

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eMusic