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CD Review

Wolfgang Mozart

Die Zauberflöte

  • Edita Gruberová (soprano)
  • Barbara Bonney (soprano)
  • Marjana Lipovšek (mezzo soprano)
  • Peter Keller (tenor)
  • Hans-Peter Blochwitz (tenor)
  • Thomas Moser (tenor)
  • Thomas Hampson (baritone)
  • Alexander Maly (bass)
  • Matti Salminen (bass)
Vienna Singverein Choir
Chorus & Orchestra of the Opera House, Zürich/Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Warner/Teldec Opera Collection 2564-69127-2 DDD 144m Rec. 1988
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe Find it at JPC
Also available on Teldec 2292-42716-2: Amazon - UK - Germany - Canada - France - Japan - ArkivMusic

Die Entführung aus dem Serail

  • Yvonne Kenny (soprano)
  • Lillian Watson (soprano)
  • Wilfried Gamlich (tenor)
  • Peter Schreier (tenor)
  • Matti Salminen (bass)
  • Wolfgang Reichmann (spoken vocals)
Chorus & Mozart Orchestra of the Zürich Opera House/Nikolaus Harnoncourt
Warner/Teldec Opera Collection 2564-69128-9 DDD 135m Rec. 1985
Find it at AmazonFind it at Amazon UKFind it at Amazon GermanyFind it at Amazon CanadaFind it at Amazon FranceFind it at Amazon JapanOrder Now from ArkivMusic.comFind it at CD Universe Find it at JPC
Also available on Teldec 2292-42643-2: Amazon - UK - Germany - Canada - France - Japan - ArkivMusic

These two seminal recordings of these great Mozart operas have long been favourites in the catalogue. The refined sounds of the Zürich orchestras together with a veritable host of star studded soloists under the inspired direction of the Austrian maestro par excellence surely provides entertainment of the highest quality.

"Die Zauberflöte" remains my favourite opera by Mozart and Harnoncourt knows how to create that sense of mystery which permeates this great work. He is undoubtedly aided by his soloists which include Matti Salminen on true top form as are Hampson, Blochwitz, Gruberová and Bonney who bring particular delectation to their demanding parts.

"Seraglio" is another great work which has that Oriental feel about it which suits Harnoncourt's lively tempi immensely. Again the soloists are on top form and the quality is well nigh unimpeachable with Kenny and Watson blending well with the experienced Peter Schreier. The score is full of admirable zest and energy with the lively Overture also one of the composer's most jovial.

Warner are doing a great favour to budding opera collectors by releasing these beautifully presented sets which include a synopsis – the libretto may be downloaded over the internet with the striking design particularly enchanting. Recordings are always top drawer quality and one can build a fine collection through this budget price initiative. Highly recommended.

Copyright © 2010, Gerald Fenech

Trumpet

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