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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...

Mercadante: Virginia / Benini, Patterson, Antonucci, Clarke, Castronovo, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2009-03-10

Works: Saverio Mercadante: Virginia, opera
Performers: Antonucci, Stefano; Castronovo, Charles; Clarke, Paul Charles; Foster-Williams, Andrew; Le Brocq, Mark; Manley, Katherine; Patterson, Susan
Conductors: Benini, Maurizio
Ensemble: London Philharmonic Orchestra

Many 19th century Italian operatic composers had problems with censors. Verdi's disputes over Rigoletto notorious, but many other works by Rossini and Donizetti were rewritten...continue...

Weckerlin: La Laitière de Trianon / Joan Rodgers, Yann Beuron, Jeff Cohen

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2009-01-13

Works: Jean-Baptiste Wekerlin: La Laitière de Trianon (The Milkmaid of Trianon), operetta in 1 act
Performers: Beuron, Yann; Cohen, Jeffrey [Piano/Choir Director]; Rodgers, Joan

As with a previous issue in Opera Rara’s acclaimed Il Salotto series, which comprised Pauline Viardot's delightful chamber operetta Cendrillon, this release focuses on a...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...

Thomas: La cour de Célimène / Litton, Claycomb, Miles, Rodgers, Droy, Philharmonia Orchestra

2 Super Audio CD / Opera Rara / 2008-07-08

Works: Ambroise Thomas: La Cour de Célimène, opera in 2 acts
Performers: Claycomb, Laura; Droy, Sébastien; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Rodgers, Joan
Conductors: Litton, Andrew
Ensemble: Philharmonia Orchestra

Best known for his once-ubiquitous "Mignon" (1866), the output of Ambroise Thomas (1811-1896) is of late receiving renewed interest. Successful revivals of his ambitious "Hamlet"...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...

Donizetti: Imelda de Lambertazzi / Elder, Cabell, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2008-04-08

Works: Gaetano Donizetti: Imelda de' Lambertazzi
Performers: Cabell, Nicole; Giordano, Massimo; Lester, Richard [Cello]; Lopardo, Frank; Pay, Antony [Clarinet]; Sherratt, Brindley; Westman, James
Conductors: Elder, Mark
Ensemble: Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment

"Opera Rara have done it again. Just as the company produced the must-have opera recording of 2007 in 'Dom Sebastien', 'Imelda de' Lambertazzi' is guaranteed...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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

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...

Verdi: Les Vêpres Siciliennes / Rossi, Brumaire, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2005-01-11

Works: Giuseppe Verdi: I vespri siciliani
Performers: Baran, Ayhan; Bonhomme, Jean; Bowden, Pamela; Brumaire, Jacqueline; Dean, Stafford; Dickerson, Bernard; English, Gerald; Howlett, Neil; Rippon, Michael; Taylor, Neilson; Vocal], Nigel Rogers [Tenor
Conductors: Rossi, Mario; Lawrence, Ashley

This opera was composed for the Paris Opera to a libretto by Charles Duveryrier and Eugene Scribe, one of the greatest poets of the day....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...

Mercadante: Emma d'Antiochia / Parry, Miricioiu, et al

3 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-08-01

Works: Saverio Mercadante: Emma d' Antiochia, opera
Performers: Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Lee, Colin; Lipinski, Rebecca von; Miricioiu, Nelly; Nocentini, Maria Costanza; Servile, Roberto
Conductors: Parry, David

'Emma d'Antiochia' is a great vehicle for a prima donna who understands Romantic Italian Opera and on this recording, Nelly Miricioiu rises to the challenge...continue...

Ricci: La Prigione di Edinburgo / Bellini, Robinson,et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-06-01

Works: Federico Ricci: La prigione di Edimburgo, opera
Performers: Focile, Nuccia; Lee, Colin; Lipinski, Rebecca von; Purves, Christopher; Robinson, Dean; Rossi, Nicola; Scano, Elisabetta
Conductors: Bellini, Gabriele
Ensemble: Geoffrey Mitchell Choir; Philharmonia Orchestra

Opera Rara continues its Esential Opera Rara series with Federico Ricci's 'La Prigione di Edemburgo'. Immensely popular in its day, this opera had two hits...continue...

Verdi: Simon Boccanegra / Matheson, Bruscantini, Ligi, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-05-01

Works: Giuseppe Verdi: Simon Boccanegra
Performers: Bruscantini, Sesto; Elvin, William; Howell, Gwynne; Hudson, Paul; Ligi, Josella; Turp, Andre
Conductors: Matheson, John
Ensemble: BBC Singers

"The differences between the two versions are most striking in the first half of the opera. The 1857 'Boccanegra' has a short instrumental prelude where...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...

Verdi: Macbeth / Matheson, Glossop, Hunter, Tomlinson, et al

2 CD / Opera Rara / 2004-01-01

Works: Giuseppe Verdi: Macbeth
Performers: Andrew, Ludmilla; Collins, Kenneth; George, Michael; Glossop, Peter; Greager, Richard; Heath, Roger; Hunter, Rita; Lloyd, Prudence; Plessis, Christian du; Robarts, Jonathon; Slade, Sue; Tomlinson, Jo...
Conductors: Matheson, John
Ensemble: BBC Singers

"All praise to the BBC Singers who were on fine form in 1979 and to John Matheson conducting the BBC Concert Orchestra. But really the...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...

Mercadante Rediscovered / Parry, Miricioiu, Ford, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-11-01

Works: Saverio Mercadante: Fantasia concertante for flutes & orchestra on themes from "Orazi e Curiazi"; Emma d' Antiochia, opera; Les Soirées Italiennes, opera; Virginia, opera; Zaira; Gabriella di ...
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Daniels, Claire; Daymond, Karl; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Haddock, Marcus; Harper, David; Kenny, Yvonne; Lee, Colin; Matteuzzi, William; Michaels-Moore, Anthony; Miles, Alastair [B...
Conductors: Parry, David

"[These] performances are first-rate, and this makes for an excellent introduction to the music of Mercadante." - Parsons, ARG...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...

Mercadante: Zaira / Parry, Miles, Cullagh, Ford, et al

1 CD / Opera Rara / 2003-05-01

Works: Saverio Mercadante: Zaira
Performers: Cullagh, Majella; Ford, Bruce [Tenor Vocal]; Lee, Colin; Magee, Garry; Miles, Alastair [Bass Vocals]; Wild, Claire
Conductors: Parry, David

"There is a boldness and confidence to Mercadante's music that is reminiscent of early Verdi. Rhythmic vitality is much in evidence, coupled with melodic elan....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...