What opera have you been listening to, lately?

Schigolch · February 14th, 2012, 11:21 AM

Schigolch · February 14th, 2012, 11:38 AM

Originally Posted by StLukesGuildOhio

My own explorations of Gluck are part of a larger exploration of the "classical era" (Mozart, Haydn, Gluck, early Beethoven, etc...) is greater depth. So does anyone have any further recommendations... especially in the field of opera... especially in the period of transition from the Baroque through Mozart?

From this period, I've had some pleasant experiences with operas like Traetta's Antigona, Jommelli's Armida abbandonata, Johann Christian Bach's La Clemenza di Scipione and of course bigger names like Grétry, Paisiello or Cimarosa.

A little bit later, but being a delightful mixture of Mozart and Rossini, I love Carlo Soliva's Giulia e Sesto Pompeo.

**desiree** · February 14th, 2012, 05:55 PM

Currently, I'm enjoying this one:

**Soave_Fanciulla** · February 14th, 2012, 08:56 PM

Originally Posted by desiree

Currently, I'm enjoying this one:

Hi desiree and welcome. I gather from elsewhere that we share a love for this Puccini opera.

**Dark_Angel** · February 14th, 2012, 11:39 PM

Elena Souliotis

What a discovery hearing this great Nabucco, one of the very few studio recordings of Souliotis and she blows me away, the closest yet I have heard any singer capture the spirit of Callas

Schigolch · February 15th, 2012, 12:27 PM

**Soave_Fanciulla** · February 15th, 2012, 07:50 PM

Nina Stemme is OK, Carlos Alvarez is fantastic, and Salvatore Licitra, RIP, is about as exciting as sliced luncheon meat in this. Updated production, not sure about it.

The late Verdi thread inspired me to listen to this:

**Dark_Angel** · February 15th, 2012, 08:24 PM

Originally Posted by Soave_Fanciulla

The late Verdi thread inspired me to listen to this:

Almost certainly the best studio version available........plus Ruggero Raimondi!

**Soave_Fanciulla** · February 15th, 2012, 08:48 PM

Originally Posted by Dark_Angel

Almost certainly the best studio version available........plus Ruggero Raimondi!

Absolutely. My favourite bass-baritone.

Schigolch · February 16th, 2012, 11:45 AM

Schigolch · February 17th, 2012, 07:58 PM

**Aramis** · February 17th, 2012, 08:09 PM

With the omission of L'Elisir, Puccini and Charpentier. I think I have to get some complete Mozart stuff with her (there's that Karajan Figaro and Mass in C minor).

Schigolch · February 18th, 2012, 11:56 AM

**jflatter** · February 18th, 2012, 02:25 PM

I am probably going to get shot down in flames for this. However I gave this a listen last night as I am going to see Mr Netrebko perform as the Don tonight and I thought it was terrible. It started right from the overture which IMHO almost ruined one of the greatest pieces of music of the 18th Century. Also I thought the singing was distinctly average. I thought I would give this HIP version a try but I won't go near Jacobs Mozart again.

Give me Giulini or even the more problematic Haitink version any day.

**Dark_Angel** · February 18th, 2012, 04:58 PM

Originally Posted by jflatter

I am probably going to get shot down in flames for this. However I gave this a listen last night as I am going to see Mr Netrebko perform as the Don tonight and I thought it was terrible. It started right from the overture which IMHO almost ruined one of the greatest pieces of music of the 18th Century. Also I thought the singing was distinctly average. I thought I would give this HIP version a try but I won't go near Jacobs Mozart again.

Give me Giulini or even the more problematic Haitink version any day.

You will save lots of money now not buying more Jacobs/HM......very expensive sets

The packaging is quite beautiful as a consulation