CD/DVD Releases -Week of Feb. 20: Diana Damrau Leads New Releases In Bizet

By Francisco Salazar

It isn’t a particularly busy week in terms of releases, but there are some gems that people will undeniably want to check out.

Here is a look at the French and German offerings you can find available for home release.

Damrau in Bizet

One of the major highlights of the Met Opera’s 2015-16 season was Bizet’s “Les Pêcheurs de Perles.” Not only was the production by Penny Woolcock stunning, but Peter Gelb put together a cast of luminaries. Diana Damrau leads the cast with her silky voice and her dramatic weight. She is joined by Matthew Polenzani who did some of his best singing ever and Maurisz Kwiecien who is a tour de force in the role of Zurga. Gianandrea Noseda conducts this must-buy DVD

A New Ring 

When a Ring Cycle is announced there is always a reason to get excited for it. This production from Weimar is conducted by Carl St. Clair and its stars Frieder Aurich, Kirsten Blanck, Erin Caves, Norbert Schmittberg and Mario Hoff. This new collection is being released by Arthaus first in Germany before it is released in the United States.

Mozart and Tito

If you are looking for a little bit of Mozart, Alpha Classics will release a new recording of “La Clemenza di Tito.” The opera, which was recording from the Champs-Elysse, stars Kurt Streit in the title role with Karina Gauvin as Vitellia. Julie Fuchs sings the role of Servilia while Kate Lindsey is Sesto. Jeremie Rhorer leads this youthful cast. The UK will get the release before it arrives for US audiences.

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