This week three full operas are released. One comes from one of the leading tenors of his generation and the other is a debut recording from a renowned composer. Here is a look at what we recommend.

Otello

Sony Classical releases the full studio recording of Verdi’s masterpiece opera with Jonas Kaufmann singing the title role and Antonio Pappano conducting the Orchestra e Coro dell’Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. Soprano Federica Lombardi sings her role debut as Desdemona and baritone Carlos Álvarez takes on the role of Jago. The recording marks the latest collaboration between Pappano and Kaufmann who recorded “Aida” previously and also collaborated on Kaufmann’s first Otello. 

OperaWire raved about the tenor’s interpretation when he first debuted it stating, “Jonas Kaufmann cements his legacy as one of history’s great Otellos.” And for this upcoming recording OperaWire noted, “Jonas Kaufmann & Carlos Alvarez Lead Nuanced Recording of Verdi Masterpiece”

Angelus

The Ecce ensemble will record its latest album on New Focus Recordings. The 45-minute monodrama by composer John Aylward takes its name from Paul Klee’s painting Angelus Novus.

The work is written in 10 through-composed movements and explores the human condition from physical, spiritual, and psychological aspects.

The Wake World 

Tzadik Records releases the debut David Hertzberg’s acclaimed opera. “The Wake World” premiered to wide critical acclaim on Opera Philadelphia’s inaugural Festival O17 in an intimate, visceral, site-specific production by director R.B. Schlather at The Barnes Foundation. The work went on to win the Music Critics Association of North America’s Best New Opera award.