Much Ado about Nothing
Other operas based on Shakespeare's comedy Much Ado about Nothing:
Much Ado About Nothing - Charles Villiers Stanford
Beaucoup de bruit pour rien (Much Ado About Nothing) - Paul Puget
Béatrice et Bénédict (Beatrice and Benedict) - Hector Berlioz
Information about the opera Béatrice et Bénédict by Hector Berlioz, and the best recordings available on CD or DVD, or for download.
Berlioz's only comic opera.
Recommended recordings on CD
Davis/Baker/Tear (Philips 475 221-1)
An excellent account of Berlioz's comedy with fine sound.
John Alldis Choir, London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis.
Cast: Janet Baker (Béatrice), Robert Tear (Bénédict), Christiane Eda-Pierre (Hero).
Philips 475 221-1 (mono)
Also included in the boxed set:
Berlioz: Complete Operas
Davis/Tarver/Wilson-Johnson (LSO Live LSO 0004)
A fine performance makes this the recommended recording.
London Symphony Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Sir Colin Davis, 10/2000.
Cast: Kenneth Tarver (Béatrice), David Wilson-Johnson (Bénédict), Laurent Naouri (Hero).
LSO Live LSO 0004