Orchestral Excerpts from Wagner Operas

Among the plentiful selections of orchestral music from the operas of Richard Wagner, it is rare to find recordings that truly stand out, and this recent release of performances conducted by the late Klaus Tennstedt merits distinction.

Tolomeo, Royal College Of Music, London Handel Festival

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/reviews/article571342.ece

Turn of the Screw at Kennedy Center

On May 22, the Kennedy Center’s Fortas Chamber Music Series and the Chateauville Foundation co-presented a fully staged production of Benjamin Britten’s haunting chamber opera The Turn of the Screw, conducted by Lorin Maazel. Here are three reviews:

Fidelio, Barbican, London

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/ed015bd4-eb41-11da-823e-0000779e2340.html

Rolando VillazÛn ó Opera Recital

I’ve carefully listened several times to this new solo album (his third) by Rolando VillazÛn and it grows on you, though there are a few weaknesses.

PUCCINI: Turandot

This must be the first Turandot that has in the sleeve notes three photographs of the soprano who sings Liu compared to two of the lady in the title role.

Die Fledermaus at Glyndebourne

http://arts.guardian.co.uk/reviews/story/0,,1780772,00.html

Da gelo a gelo, Rococo Theatre, Schwetzingen

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/bd064196-ea7a-11da-9566-0000779e2340.html

Macbeth, Seattle Opera

http://news.ft.com/cms/s/dc48a6ec-ea7b-11da-9566-0000779e2340.html

Shostakovich: Settling old Soviet scores

http://enjoyment.independent.co.uk/music/features/article549667.ece