CD/DVD -Week of July 24: Paul Appleby & Anna Pirozzi Lead New Releases

By Francisco Salazar

This week we see two DVDs from last year’s European festivals. One comes from Macerata, while the other comes from Glyndebourne. One of the works on display is a repertory staple while the other is not as famous. Both DVDs star established and up and coming singers.

A New Trovatore 

Verdi’s “Il Trovatore” is arguably one of the most popular operas in the repertoire with its lush melodies and for its plot. So it is no surprise that this week, audiences will get a new recording of the work. From the Macerata Opera Festival, Dynamic releases a recording that includes Piero Pretti and Anna Pirozzi in the leading roles. Recorded in 2016, the opera was conducted by Daniel Oren. The production garnered rave reviews noting that Pretti was a Manrico filled with heroism and lyricism. The opera will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Berlioz’s gem 

Recorded from last season’s Glyndebourne Festival, Berlioz’s “Beatrice and Benedict” will get a release starring Paul Appleby and Stéphanie d’Oustrac. When the production by Laurent Pelly opened, critics raved about the performers noting “D’Oustrac and Appleby generate a considerable sexual charge together and are gorgeous in their arias.” The DVD will be released by Opus Arte.

Categories

DVD and CD ReleasesNews