Mezzo Soprano > Opera Rara

Mercadante: I Normanni a Parigi [Highlights] / Judith Howarth, Barry Banks

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2011-07-12

Works: Saverio Mercadante: I Normanni a Parigi
Performers: Banks, Barry; Broadbent, Graeme; Hall, Aled; Howarth, Judith; Karnéus, Katarina; Novaro, Riccardo
Conductors: Stratford, Stuart
Ensemble: ; Philharmonia Orchestra

Opera Rara continues to explore the fascinating figure of Saverio Mercadante with this world premiere recording of substantial highlights from I Normanni a Parigi, written...continue...
Recording information: Henry Wood Hall, London (05/2009)....continue...

Celebrating 40 Years: Then and Now

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2010-07-13

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Ricciardo e Zoraide; Ermione; Gaetano Donizetti: Ugo conte di Parigi; Parisina; Saverio Mercadante: Orazi e Curiazi; Virginia; Giovanni Pacini: Maria regina d'Inghilterra; Alessand...
Performers: Bezdüz, Bülent; Browne, Sandra; Einarsdottir, Thora [Vocals]; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Giannattasio, Carmen; Jones, Della; Kenny, Yvonne; Larmore, Jennifer; Lee, Colin; Massis, Annick; Mi...
Conductors: Parry, David; Francis, Alun; Judd, James; Benini, Maurizio

This disc, featuring some of Opera Rara's finest singers, is dedicated to Sir Peter Moores and the Peter Moores Foundation in recognition of their invaluable...continue...

Rossini: Songs

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2010-01-12

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Quelques Riens pour album, for piano; Le sylvain ("Belles nymphes blondes"), for voice & piano (Péchés de vieillesse, book 3), QR v/1; Péchés de vieillesse,...
Performers: Bosworth, Nicholas; Brownlee, Lawrence; Delunsch, Mireille; Larmore, Jennifer; Martineau, Malcolm; Sherratt, Brindley; Wilde, Mark; Wyn-Rogers, Catherine

If a time-machine could take us back through the centuries, which musical occasion might we choose to attend? Surely a soiree at Rossini's Parisian home...continue...
Personnel: Robin Newton (programming).

Recording information: Henry Wood Hall, London (07/2008)....continue...

Bellini: La straniera / Parry, Ciofi, Shkosa, Hall, Schmunck, Stone, Wood, Broadbent, London PO, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2008-10-14

Works: Vincenzo Bellini: La Straniera, opera
Performers: Broadbent, Graeme; Ciofi, Patrizia; Hall, Aled; Hardwick, Ian; Schmunck, Dario; Shkosa, Enkelejda; Stone, Mark [Baritone Vocals]; Stone, Mark [Baritone Vocal]; Wood, Roland
Conductors: Parry, David

Three of Bellini's operas - 'La Sonnambula' and 'Norma' (both 1831) and his last work, 'I Puritani' (1835) - remain classics of the bel canto...continue...

Rediscovered - Mayr: Opera Highlights / Parry, Severini, Kenny, Smythe, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2008-07-08

Works: Simon Mayr: Elisa; Ginevra di Scozia, opera; L' amor coniugale, opera; Adelasia e Aleramo, opera; Elena, opera; Alonso e Cora, opera; Alfredo il Grande, opera; Fedra, opera; Medea in Corinto, opera
Performers: Barcellona, Daniela; Christie, Nan; Doghan, Philip; Dugdale, Sandra; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harrhy, Eiddwen; John, Kevin; Jones, Della; Kenny, Yvonne; Leggate, Robin [Tenor Vocal]; Montague, Dian...
Conductors: Parry, David; Severini, Tiziano
Ensemble: ; Trieste Teatro Verdi Orchestra

Between 1794 and 1824, Bavarian-born Johann Simon Mayr (1763-1845) composed over sixty operas. Admired for his fusion of Italianate melody with Germanic harmony and instrumentation,...continue...

Pacini: Alessandro nell' Indie / Parry, Ford, Larmore, et al

3 Super Audio CD / Opera Rara / 2008-02-12

Works: Giovanni Pacini: Alessandro Nell' Indie, opera
Performers: Beer, Susanne; Claycomb, Laura; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Larmore, Jennifer; Robinson, Dean; Wilde, Mark
Conductors: Parry, David

The 1824 Naples premiere of 'Alessandro nell’ Indie' established Giovanni Pacini (1796–1867) as one of the city's favorite composers. Using an existing libretto by Metastasio,...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 11 - La Serenata / Ford, Montague, Harper

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2008-01-08

Works: Ambroise Thomas: Le Soir; Ange et Mortel ("La nuit a parsemé son manteau d'étincelles"), duet for 2 voices; La serenata ("Tu d'amarmi un dì giurasti"), romanza for voice; Giovanni Paci...
Performers: Banks, Barry; Beer, Susanne; Bundgaard, Sine; Cullagh, Majella; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harper, David; Kelly, Paul Austin; Montague, Diana; Sampson, Richard; Stone, Mark [Baritone Vocals]; Stone, ...

'La Serenata' is the eleventh volume of Opera Rara's acclaimed 'Il Salotto' series, exploring the more intimate world of the salon ("salotto," in Italian) and...continue...

Entre Nous: Celebrating Offenbach

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-10-09

Works: Jacques Offenbach: Les contes d'Hoffmann; Geneviève de Brabant, opera in 2, 3, & 5 act versions; La jolie parfumeuse, comic opera in 3 acts; Le pont des soupirs; Les braconniers, operetta in 3 a...
Performers: Berthon, Cassandre; Claycomb, Laura; Cognet, Andre; Félix, Loïc; Kenny, Yvonne; Larmore, Jennifer; Le Brocq, Mark; Lee, Colin; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Montague, Diana; Sherman, Ale...
Conductors: Parry, David

Opera Rara's latest release features a glittering array of singing stars heard in a double helping of delightful rarities by Jacques Offenbach. In the course...continue...

Rossini: La Donna del Lago / Benini, Giannattasio, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-06-12

Works: Gioachino Rossini: La Donna del Lago
Performers: Bardon, Patricia; Giannattasio, Carmen; Gleadow, Robert; Kunde, Gregory; Sassu, Francesca; Tarver, Kenneth; Wilde, Mark
Conductors: Benini, Maurizio
Ensemble: Edinburgh Festival Chorus

Rossini's La donna del lago was not only the first Italian opera to be based on a work by Sir Walter Scott (the narrative poem...continue...

Donizetti: Dom Sébastien / Elder, Kasarova, Filianoti, et al

4 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-05-08

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Dom Sébastien
Performers: Bernays, John; Caruso, Carmelo; Cliffe, Nigel; Filianoti, Giuseppe; Gleadow, Robert; Hickenbottom, Lee; Hill, Martyn; Kasarova, Vesselina; Keenlyside, Simon; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Slater, An...
Conductors: Elder, Mark
Ensemble: Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra

"Donizetti considered Dom Sebastien, Roi de Portugal (1843), his final completed opera, written for the Paris Opera, to be his masterpiece, and in spite of...continue...

Mercadante: Maria Stuarda (highlights) / Allemandi, Howarth

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-05-08

Works: Saverio Mercadante: Maria Stuarda, regina di Scozia, opera in 2 acts
Performers: Clark, James; Custer, Manuela; Howarth, Judith; Hunt, Gordon [Oboe]; Larmore, Jennifer; Lee, Colin; Putnins, Pauls
Conductors: Allemandi, Antonello
Ensemble: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir

"'Maria Stuarda' was written and produced in 1821 and though it disappeared from the repertory within four years, the contention is that, whatever the cause,...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 10 - Pauline Viardot and Friends

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-05-08

Works: Spoken Word: Fanny Ardant discusses Pauline Viardot; Pauline Viardot: Zwei Rosen, for voice & piano; L'absence, for voice & piano; Berceuse, arranged for voice & piano from Chopin's Mazurka in C majo...
Performers: Antonacci, Anna Caterina [Soprano]; Chernov, Vladimir; Harper, David; Von Stade, Frederica; Watkin, David

This CD, including world premiere recordings of several Viardot songs, was recorded live at London's Wigmore Hall. Three singers, Frederica von Stade, Anna Caterina Antonacci...continue...

Rossini: Adelaide de Borgogna / Carella, Cullagh, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-01-09

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Adelaide di Borgogna (Ottone, re d'Italia), opera
Performers: Bottone, Rebecca; Catling, Ashley; Cullagh, Majella; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Larmore, Jennifer; Palazzi, Mirco; Wilde, Mark
Conductors: Carella, Giuliano
Ensemble: Scottish Chamber Orchestra

"This new Opera Rara set is the one to own... Rossinian delights in the opera: Adelaide's scene in Act 1, her pyrotechnical duet with Ottone,...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 9 - Ora Divina - The Sublime Hour

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2007-01-09

Works: Angelo Mariani: Ad un fiume, romanza for voice & piano; La partenza, for voice & piano; Lord Burghersh: Sì fiero dolore, canone for 4 voices & piano; Fabio Campana: Clair de lune, mélodie f...
Performers: Banks, Barry; Beer, Susanne; Bundgaard, Sine; Cullagh, Majella; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harper, David; Kelly, Paul Austin; Montague, Diana; Stone, Mark [Baritone Vocals]; Stone, Mark [Baritone Voc...

Ora divina is the ninth volume of Opera Rara's acclaimed Il Salotto series. The songs featured on this disc explore the serious side of love....continue...

Donizetti: Il diluvio universale / Carella, Palazzi, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-11-14

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Il diluvio universale, opera
Performers: Bailey, Simon; Cullagh, Majella; Custer, Manuela; Dimitrijevic, Ivana; Gibbons, Anne-Marie; Lee, Colin; Lungu, Irina; Palazzi, Mirco; Robinson, Dean; Wilde, Mark; Wood, Roland
Conductors: Carella, Giuliano
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra

"Majella Cullagh's bright tone and sincere, forward delivery are just right for the put-upon-but-strong Sela, and she handles the coloratura passages as well as she...continue...

Paer: Sofonisba (Highlights) / Guidarini, Larmore, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-11-14

Works: Ferdinando Paër: Sofonisba, opera
Performers: Crowe, Lucy; Evans, Rebecca; Larmore, Jennifer; Lee, Colin; Nilon, Paul; Palazzi, Mirco
Conductors: Guidarini, Marco
Ensemble: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir; Philharmonia Orchestra

"A delightful array of talent has been gathered by Opera Rara to essay excerpts from a rarely heard score. Paul Nilon, Jennifer Larmore, Rebecca Evans...continue...

Pacini Rediscovered / Massis, Larmore, Cullagh, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-11-14

Works: Giovanni Pacini: Adelaide e Comingo, opera; Annetta e Lucindo, opera; Cesare in Egitto, opera; Temistocle, opera; Alessandro Nell' Indie, opera; Il contestabile di Chester, opera; Carlo di Borgogna; ...
Performers: Cashmore, John; Cullagh, Majella; Dolton, Geoffrey; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harrhy, Eiddwen; Kenny, Yvonne; Larmore, Jennifer; Massis, Annick; Matteuzzi, William; McCullough, Susan; Nilon, Paul; O...
Conductors: Parry, David; Allemandi, Antonello

Giovanni Pacicni's first opera, 'Annetta e Lucindo' was produced in 1813, the year of Rossini's 'L'Italiana in Algeri'; his last, 'Berta,' was produced in 1867,...continue...

Verdi: Don Carlos / Matheson, Tremblay, Vilma, et al

4 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-06-13

Works: Giuseppe Verdi: Don Carlos
Performers: Belcourt, Emile; Knight, Gillian; Lloyd, Robert [Bass Voice]; Rouleau, Joseph; Savoie, Robert; Shovelton, Geoffrey; Tremblay, Edith; Turp, Andre; van Allan, Richard [Bass-Baritone Vocal]; Vilma, Mich...
Conductors: Matheson, John

With this release of 'Don Carlos,' generally acclaimed today as Verdi's noblest opera, Opera Rara completes its series of Verdi Originals - the five operas...continue...

Paventa Insano - Pacini, Mercadante / Parry, Cullagh, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-05-09

Works: Giovanni Pacini: Il Corsaro, opera; Stella di Napoli, opera; Il contestabile di Chester, opera; Cesare in Egitto, opera; Allan Cameron, opera; Saverio Mercadante: Elena da Feltre, opera; I Normanni a...
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Massis, Annick; Opie, Alan [Baritone Vocals]; Polverelli, Laura; Tarver, Kenneth; Waddington, Henry; Wood, Roland
Conductors: Parry, David

Mercadante and Pacini were, in the first place, very close contemporaries, born only five months apart. Both composers, though they may have begun as imitators...continue...

Meyerbeer: L'Esule di Granata (Highlights) / Carella, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-03-14

Works: Giacomo Meyerbeer: L' Esule di Granata, opera (heroic melodrama) in 2 acts
Performers: Catling, Ashley; Claycomb, Laura; Custer, Manuela; Heley, John; Kelly, Paul Austin; Loveday, Martin; Palazzi, Mirco; Sherratt, Brindley
Conductors: Carella, Giuliano
Ensemble: Academy of St. Martin in the Fields

"This package is a deluxe, as always. A full libretto is included, along with superb notes by Geroge Loomis that tell you everything that you...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 8 - Notturno - Music for the Night

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-03-14

Works: Giuseppe Verdi: Notturno, for 3 voices, flute & piano; Vincenzo Gabussi: Il voto, for two voices & piano; Venise, for two voices & piano; Gaetano Donizetti: L'alito di Bice ("O profundo delicato"), n...
Performers: Biccire, Patrizia; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Kelly, Paul Austin; Larmore, Jennifer; Martin, Jaime; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]

Literally translated as 'nocturne,' the songs on this disc bear little resemblance to the piano pieces of the same name as exemplified by those of...continue...

Donizetti: Pia de' Tolomei / Parry, Cullagh, Custer, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-01-10

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Pia de' Tolomei, opera
Performers: Biccire, Patrizia; Cullagh, Majella; Custer, Manuela; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Palazzi, Mirco; Servile, Roberto; Turner, Christopher; Vinco, Marco; Wilde, Mark
Conductors: Parry, David

Vocal Teamwork - Rare Operatic Ensembles

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-01-10

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Bianca e Falliero; Ricciardo e Zoraide; Guglielmo Tell; Giacomo Meyerbeer: Dinorah (Le pardon de Ploërmel), comic opera in 3 acts; L' Esule di Granata, opera (heroic melodrama...
Performers: Andrew, Ludmilla; Bailey, Simon; Banks, Barry; Barcellona, Daniela; Bayley, Clive; Biccire, Patrizia; Blake, Rockwell; Claycomb, Laura; Collins, Kenneth; Cook, Deborah; Cullagh, Majella; Custer, Manu...
Conductors: Parry, David; Judd, James; Carella, Giuliano; Matheson, John

We have here many different kinds of ensemble, starting with the elaborate formality of the duet from Rossinis Bianca e Falliero and concluding with the...continue...

Mozart - The Supreme Decorator / Mackerras, Hanover Band

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2006-01-10

Works: Johann Christian Bach: Adriano in Siria, opera seria in 3 acts, CW G6 (T. 211/1); La clemenza di Scipione, opera seria in 3 acts, CW G10 (T. 229) (incomplete); Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Alcandro, lo c...
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Futral, Elizabeth [Soprano Vocals]; Montague, Diana
Conductors: Mackerras, Charles, Sir
Ensemble: Hanover Band

"Sir Charles not only conducts the Hanover Band with greatest affection that is repaid by the musicians, but has also written enthusiastic notes placing all...continue...

Verdi: La Forza del Destino / Matheson, Arroyo, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2005-08-09

Works: Giuseppe Verdi: La forza del destino
Performers: Arroyo, Martina; Bowen, Kenneth; Collins, Kenneth; Coster, Janet; Fieldsend, David; Garrard, Don; Glossop, Peter; Hammond-Stroud, Derek; Kennedy, Roderick [Bass Vocals]; O'Reilly, Philip; Truefitt, A...
Conductors: Matheson, John
Ensemble: BBC Concert Orchestra

Bravura Diva / Jennifer Larmore

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2005-08-09

Works: Michael Costa: Eloisa, scena for voice & orchestra; Gioachino Rossini: Bianca e Falliero; Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra; Saverio Mercadante: Andronico, opera; Luigi Arditi: Il desìo, bravura ...
Performers: Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harper, David; Larmore, Jennifer
Conductors: Allemandi, Antonello; Parry, David; Carella, Giuliano
Ensemble: ; Geoffrey Mitchell Choir; London Philharmonic Orchestra

"It's about time Jennifer Larmore got a razzle-dazzle solo aria album from Opera Rara. After all, she's lent her bel canto expertise to their recordings...continue...

Donizetti: Francesca di Foix / Allemandi, Massis, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2005-05-10

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Francesca di Foix, opera in one act
Performers: Antoniozzi, Alfonso; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Larmore, Jennifer; Massis, Annick; Spagnoli, Pietro
Conductors: Allemandi, Antonello
Ensemble: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir

"As Francesca, Annick Massis is luscious, her tone always glorious and used here good-humoredly, while she tosses off perfect trills and coloratura. Jennifer Larmore brings...continue...

Donizetti: Elvida / Allemandi, Massis, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2005-05-10

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Elvida, opera
Performers: Catling, Ashley; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Gibbons, Anne-Marie; Larmore, Jennifer; Massis, Annick; Spagnoli, Pietro
Conductors: Allemandi, Antonello
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra

'Elvida' is one of the most intriguing titles in the Donizetti canon - a one-act melodrama - which was very unusual for this period. Donizetti...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 7 - Primo Dolce Affano / Vidal, Harper, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2005-01-11

Works: Franz Liszt: Sonetto del Petrarca no 47 (Benedetto sia'l giorno; II), for piano (Années II/4), S. 161/4 (LW A55/; Sonetto del Petrarca no 104 (Pace non trovo; I) for piano (Tre sonetti no 1), S....
Performers: Claycomb, Laura; Custer, Manuela; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harper, David; Matteuzzi, William; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Servile, Roberto; Vidal, Elisabeth

The Young Donizetti / Ford, Kenny, Montague, Parry, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-10-12

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: L' ajo nell' imbarazzo, opera; Alfredo il Grande, opera; Il falegname di Livonia (Pietro il Grande), opera; Enrico di Borgogna, opera; Zoraida di Granata; Chiara e Serafina (Il pir...
Performers: Best, Jonathan; Bickley, Susan; Cullagh, Majella; Davies, Lynne; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Hargraves, Matthew; Harrhy, Eiddwen; John, Kevin; Jones, Della; Kelly, Paul Austin; Kenny, Yvonne; Larmore,...
Conductors: Parry, David; Francis, Alun; Allemandi, Antonello

"With such outstanding 'bel canto' artists as Jennifer Larmore, Majella Cullagh, Yvonne Kenny, Della Jones, Bruce Ford, and conductor David Parry, one could hardly go...continue...

Rossini: Zelmira / Benini, Futral, Ford, Custer, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-10-12

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Zelmira
Performers: Catling, Ashley; Custer, Manuela; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Futral, Elizabeth [Soprano Vocals]; Hausmann, Mathias; Palazzi, Mirco; Siragusa, Antonino; Vinco, Marco
Conductors: Benini, Maurizio
Ensemble: Scottish Chamber Orchestra

"There is no full-scale overture - only a brief, intense prelude followed by an exciting, no-holds-barred chorus and cavatina with chorus for Antenore, strongly belted...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 6 - La Partenza / Claycomb, Custer, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-01-01

Works: Michael Costa: Perche due cori insieme; Felice eta dell' oro', notturno (quintet); Lamento per Bellini, canzone; Count Antonio Belgiojoso: Il biglietto amoroso, canzonetta; Gaetano Donizetti: Inspira...
Performers: Claycomb, Laura; Custer, Manuela; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harper, David; Natoli, Dominic; Robinson, Dean; Rossi, Nicola; Servile, Roberto; Sherratt, Brindley

Most of the songs and ensembles in this sixth volume of Opera Rara's acclaimed 'Il Salotto' series are about love. Not so surprising in a...continue...

Meyerbeer: Margherita d'Anjou / Parry, Massis, Ford, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-11-01

Works: Giacomo Meyerbeer: Margherita d'Anjou
Performers: Barcellona, Daniela; Beer, Susanne; Bosworth, Nicholas; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Lee, Colin; Massis, Annick; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Previati, Fabio; Putnins, Pauls; Watkin, David; Wood, Rol...
Conductors: Parry, David

"As Margherita, soprano Annick Massis just keeps on going up and up. Daniela Barcellona offers grandeur of expression as Isaura, with Alastair Miles providing solid...continue...

Sogno talor... Special Collection Celebrating 25 Years

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-09-01

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Maria Stuarda; Rosmonda d'Inghilterra; Emilia di Liverpool; Roberto Devereux; Maria Padilla; Elisabetta al castello di Kenilworth; Parisina d'Este; Giovanni Pacini: Carlo di Borgog...
Performers: Banks, Barry; Benelli, Ugo; Brecknock, John; Bros, Jose; Bruscantini, Sesto; Caley, Ian; Christie, Nan; Cook, Deborah; Cullagh, Majella; D'Arcangelo, Ildebrando; Dolton, Geoffrey; Dugdale, Sandra; Fa...
Conductors: Parry, David; Carella, Giuliano; Benini, Maurizio; Francis, Alun; Judd, James
Ensemble: ; London Mozart Players; London Philharmonic Orchestra; London Symphony Orchestra; Philharmonia Orchestra; Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra; Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

The double CD set is in the form of a two-act Grand Opera Gala, with an overture, choruses, arias, ensembles and extravagant finales. A total...continue...

Donizetti: Roberto Devereux / Benini, Miricioiu, Bros, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-08-01

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Roberto Devereux
Performers: Broadbent, Graeme; Bros, Jose; Frontiali, Roberto; Ganassi, Sonia; Leggate, Robin [Tenor Vocal]; Miricioiu, Nelly
Conductors: Benini, Maurizio
Ensemble: Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra

"The choral, comprimario, and orchestral work is on a high level, and Maestro Benini leads this uncut performance with tempos that seem just right for...continue...

Mayr: Ginevra di Scozia / Severini, Vidal, Barcellona, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-02-01

Works: Simon Mayr: Ginevra di Scozia, opera
Performers: Barcellona, Daniela; Grassi, Luca; Lazzara, Marco; Locatelli, Damiano; Orsolini, Aldo; Piunti, Giuseppina; Siragusa, Antonino; Vidal, Elisabeth
Conductors: Severini, Tiziano
Ensemble: Trieste Teatro Verdi Chorus

Giovanni Simone Mayr is remembered today as the teacher of Donizetti. He was one of the most respected composers in all of Italy. What is...continue...

Il Salotto Vol 5 - La Rimembranza / Larmore, Custer, Ford

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-01-01

Works: Vincenzo Gabussi: La rimembranza, duet for 2 voices & piano (from Sei duettini); I pescatori, for 2 singers & piano (from Sei duettini); Carlos Gomes: Io ti vidi, song; Luigi Arditi: Trema, o vil!, ...
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Custer, Manuela; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Harper, David; Larmore, Jennifer; Siragusa, Antonino; Smythe, Russell

Rossini: Elisabetta regina d'Inghilterra / Carella, Larmore

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2002-10-01

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Custer, Manuela; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Larmore, Jennifer; Lee, Colin; Siragusa, Antonino
Conductors: Carella, Giuliano
Ensemble: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir

Meyerbeer in Italy / Ford, Kenny, Parry, London PO, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2002-10-01

Works: Giacomo Meyerbeer: Il crociato in Egitto; Romilda e Costanza, opera (melodramma semiserio) in 2 acts; Emma di Resburgo, opera (heroic melodrama) in 2 acts; Margherita d'Anjou; L' Esule di Granata, op...
Performers: Benelli, Ugo; Bovino, Maria; Dolton, Geoffrey; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Jones, Della; Kenny, Yvonne; Kitchen, Linda; Mason, Anne; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Mills, Bronwen; Montague, Diana; Nic...
Conductors: Parry, David
Ensemble: Philharmonia Orchestra

Tyrants and Lovers / Parry, Miricioiu, Larmore, Ford, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2002-08-01

Works: Simon Mayr: L' amor coniugale, opera; Gaetano Donizetti: Zoraida di Granata; Pia de' Tolomei, opera; Buondelmonte, opera (2nd vers., Maria Stuarda); Rosmonda d'Inghilterra; Torquato Tasso, opera; Gio...
Performers: Blake, Rockwell; Cicogna, Adriana; Cullagh, Majella; D'Arcangelo, Ildebrando; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Fulgoni, Sarah; Futral, Elizabeth [Soprano Vocals]; Glanville, Mark; Hargraves, Matthew; Harrh...
Conductors: Parry, David

"Mostly this is a compilation of extracts from Opera Rara's catalogue of early 19th century exotica, but three new items are all worth seeking out....continue...

Pacini: Carlo di Borgogna / Parry, Larmore, Ford, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2002-05-01

Works: Giovanni Pacini: Carlo di Borgogna
Performers: Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Frontiali, Roberto; Futral, Elizabeth [Soprano Vocals]; Larmore, Jennifer; Magee, Garry; Natoli, Dominic; Williams, Helen [Soprano Vocal]
Conductors: Parry, David

"Pacini's music is often stirring, as befits an opera set against the background of Charles the Bold's expoits, and here David Parry conducts it with...continue...

Duets to Die For - Larmore, Fleming, Miricioiu, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2002-02-01

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Rosmonda d'Inghilterra; Zoraida di Granata; Anna Bolena; Simon Mayr: Ginevra di Scozia, opera; Medea in Corinto, opera; Vincenzo Lavigna: Hoango; Gioachino Rossini: Otello; Ricciar...
Performers: Blake, Rockwell; Cullagh, Majella; Eaglen, Jane; Fleming, Renee; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Futral, Elizabeth [Soprano Vocals]; Gimenez, Raul [Tenor Vocals]; Haddock, Marcus; Harrhy, Eiddwen; Jones, ...
Conductors: Parry, David

Rossini: Bianca e Falliero / Parry, Cullagh, London PO

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2001-12-01

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Bianca e Falliero
Performers: Bailey, Simon; Banks, Barry; Cullagh, Majella; D'Arcangelo, Ildebrando; Davies, Ryland; Larmore, Jennifer; Natoli, Dominic
Conductors: Parry, David

'Bianca e Falliero' is one of Rossini's most sumptuous and ornate operas. It tells of Bianca's (Majella Cullagh) love for Falliero (Jennifer Larmore) and Bianca's...continue...

Serious Rossini / Bruce Ford

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2001-12-01

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Ricciardo e Zoraide; Armida; Mosè in Egitto; Otello; Ugo re d 'Italia, opera (unfinished)
Performers: Banks, Barry; Biccire, Patrizia; D'Arcangelo, Ildebrando; Davies, Ryland; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Futral, Elizabeth [Soprano Vocals]; Jones, Della; Kelly, Paul Austin; Matteuzzi, William; Miricioi...
Conductors: Parry, David

"Here are several little-known arias, duets, trios and ensembles from Rossini's serious operas. Bruce Ford, one of the finest Rossini tenors of our time, is...continue...

Bel Canto Portrait / Nelly Miricioiu

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2001-08-01

Works: Saverio Mercadante: Emma d' Antiochia, opera; Michael Costa: L' assedio di Corinto, opera; Gaetano Donizetti: Belisario, opera; Parisina d'Este
Performers: Coote, Alice; D'Arcangelo, Ildebrando; Holland, Ashley; Janes, Fiona; Miricioiu, Nelly; Natoli, Dominic; Plazas, Mary; Wood, Roland
Conductors: Parry, David

"Opera Rara has long been in a class of its own in promoting neglected bel canto repertoire... it here presents a clutch of operatic scenes-...continue...

Ferme tes Yeux - Rossini, Adam, Pacini, et al / Matteuzzi

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2001-05-01

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Le Comte Ory; Il viaggio a Reims; Daniel-François-Esprit Auber: La muette de Portici; Michelle Carafa: Gabriella di Vergi, opera; Gaetano Donizetti: La figlia del reggimento; ...
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Matteuzzi, William; Scano, Elisabetta; Shkosa, Enkelejda; Wood, Roland
Conductors: Parry, David

William Matteuzzi is one of Italy's leading bel canto tenors and a specialist in the works of Rossini; his previous recordings for Opera Rara include...continue...

Renée Fleming Sings - Donizetti: Rosmonda d'Inghilterra

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2001-04-01

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Rosmonda d'Inghilterra
Performers: Fleming, Renee; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Miricioiu, Nelly; Montague, Diana
Conductors: Parry, David

Renee Fleming has one of the most beautiful voices before the public today. She is well known for her Mozart and Strauss roles as well...continue...

Donizetti: La Romanzesca e l'uomo nero / David Parry, ASMF

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2000-11-01

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: La romanziera e l'uomo nero, opera
Performers: Antoniozzi, Alfonso; Bayley, Clive; Cicogna, Adriana; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Kelly, Paul Austin; Scano, Elisabetta; Spagnoli, Pietro
Conductors: Parry, David

Donizetti wrote nine one-act comedies and most of them have been given revivals in Europe and the U.S. in the last 50 years. They all...continue...

Rossini Gala - Nelly Miricioiu / David Parry, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2000-09-01

Works: Gioachino Rossini: Elisabetta, regina d'Inghilterra; Aureliano in Palmira; Bianca e Falliero; Zelmira; Mosè in Egitto, opera; Semiramide; Armida; Work(s)
Performers: Bailey, Simon; Banks, Barry; Biccire, Patrizia; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Magee, Garry; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Miricioiu, Nelly; Natoli, Dominic; Robinson, Dean; Shkosa, Enkelejda; Sotgiu, A...
Conductors: Parry, David

Beautiful Image - Mosca, Rossini, et al / Diana Montague

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2000-05-10

Works: Giuseppe Mosca: Le bestie in uomini, opera; Gioachino Rossini: Ah, per pietà, t'arresta!, duet for 2 sopranos & orchestra (insertion number for G. Nicolini's Quint; L' inganno felice, opera; Gia...
Performers: Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Kenny, Yvonne; Lewis, Keith; Montague, Diana
Conductors: Parry, David

"Rarities there certainly are here...all featuring Diana Montague prominently. But the gem is a newly released item...[by] Julius Benedict. With its early-Romantic sensibility it makes...continue...