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Leonard Bernstein more or less owned this symphony, and both this and his earlier Sony recording are superb. He was one of the few conductors who wasn't afraid of the musical insanity that Mahler unleashes in the first movement (a collision between two marches of very different character), and the N...

A strong cast--with Lucia Popp a radiant Susanna and Frederica Von Stade deliciously precocious as Cherubino--makes this Figaro a delight from start to finish. Georg Solti presides masterfully, uncorking a propulsive reading with all the fizz of vintage champagne. --Ted Libbey...

The bulk of this wonderful CD was recorded in l974, before the top of Scotto's voice--always a bit acidic--had turned positively treacherous. Selections from six Puccini operas, Catalani's La Wally, and Mascagni's Lodoletta and Iris find her not only in good voice, but with her usual searing insight...

We live in a golden age for Rossini singing, and this recording offers considerable proof of it. Although she occasionally strays into overdone vocal mannerisms, Cecilia Bartoli is a fetching Cenerentola with the right combination of pathos and triumph. William Matteuzzi offers an ardent Don Ramir...

Verdi - Giovanna d'Arco (Joan of Arc)/ Caballé · Domingo · Milnes · LSO · Levine...

Verdi: Don Carlo...

Saariaho: Private Gardens / Dawn Upshaw...

A Christmas Celebration: Kathleen Battle...

There are two English Davises, both conductors: Colin and Andrew--no relation. Colin recorded a landmark Messiah which is still available on Philips at budget price. This one is another matter entirely. Andrew Davis certainly knows this music, and he hits the big moments with gusto. But Messiah is m...

Rossini - Tancredi / Podles, Jo, Olsen, Spagnoli, di Micco, Lendi, Zedda...