Ralph P. Locke
In its first commercial recording, Frano Parać’s “Judita” wrings compelling drama out of the biblical tale.
Lauded in histories of Broadway but rarely performed, “Love Life” proves to be an insightful and effective work of social criticism, nearly eight decades after its premiere.
Paisiello, one of the most successful opera composers in Mozart’s day, offers repeated delight and surprises in this entertainment, thanks to a splendid cast of mostly youngish singers.
First-rate performances, including by a Norwegian orchestra and conductor plus superb international singers, make this one a winner.
World-renowned soprano Aleksandra Kurzak’s homage to the great French soprano Cornélie Falcon is largely one to cherish.
Joachim Raff, widely hailed for his instrumental works, is finally being recognized as a significant opera composer as well.
By Ralph P. Locke Joachim Raff’s energetic and characterful Die Eifersüchtigen hits its mark, in its first production ever. Joachim Raff: Die Eifersüchtigen (The Jealous Ones) Serafina Giannoni (Donna Rosa), Raìsa Ierone (Donna Bianca), Mirjam Fässler (Ninetta), Benjamin Popson (Don Claudio), Batthias Bein (Beppino), Balduin Schneeberger (Don Giulio), Martin Roth (Don Geronimo). Orchestra of Europe,…
The world-renowned tenor Ivo Židek leads a spirited cast, and reminds us how involving opera can be when sung by native speakers.
The new “Portrait” package contains five hours of music by Bizet that is mostly unknown to music lovers and music lovers. Plus one of his best operas, a one-act written just before “Carmen”: 1872’s “Djamileh,” which is set in a harem.
Locke’s List for 2025: Notable Operatic Recordings and a Few Non-Operatic Ones
First recordings of major works and splendid recordings of some others, from Handel to Raff and from Boston’s Musicians of the Old Post Road to the astonishing operatic soprano Aleksandra Kurzak.
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