Even though the holiday season is at an end, there are some rather exciting recordings heading to the market. Interestingly, both works are by composers of decidedly different eras which makes them a fascinating exercise in stylistic counterpoint for those who might want to pick them both up.

Orphée et Euridice

Gluck’s famed opera will be released in French with superstar tenor Juan Diego Flórez and Christiane Karg in the title roles. Fatma Said also appears as L’Amour in a production conducted by Michele Mariotti from the Teatro alla Scala.

Lessons in Love and Violence

The other big release of the weekend is George Benjamin and Martin Crimp’s “Lessons in Love and Violence.” The composer himself conducts a cast that includes Barbara Hannigan, Stéphane Degout, Guyla Orendt, Peter Hoare, and Samuel Boden. The performance was recorded live from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.