This week three of today’s biggest divas release new albums or DVDs. There are also a number of solo projects including a debut album by one of the most exciting baritones of his generation.

Here is a look.

Winterreise

Joyce DiDonato releases her acclaimed version of Schubert’s “Winterreise.” The mezzo noted that the piece is one of “the masterpieces: those holy relics of unparalleled genius that have changed the course of the art form entirely … a singular, crowning achievement in song.” Yannick Nézet-Séguin accompanies the mezzo in the song cycle which was recorded New York’s Carnegie Hall in December 2019.

Songs for a Broken World

The new album featuring David Chesky’s work stars J’Nai Bridges and Ute Lemper. The Orchestra and Choir of the 21st Century are also featured. Chesky composed and recorded the works on this album in the second half of 2020, a year of crisis.

Arcano 

Prima Classic releases Franco Vassallo‘s debut album Arcano which is dedicated to the songs of Paolo Tosti. Pianist Giulio Zappa accompanies the baritone in 22 diverse songs exploring melody and poesy.

Andrea Chenier

Anna Netrebko stars in Giordano’s masterpiece alongside Yusif Eyvazov. The production, which opened the Teatro alla Scala in 2017, is directed by Mario Martone and conducted by Riccardo Chailly. Luca Salsi also stars alongside Annalisa Stroppa and Carlo Bosi.  The production marked Netrebko’s third opening night at the famed Teatro alla Scala.

Chère Nuit

Louise Alder releases her latest album Chère Nuit, an all-French follow-up to her acclaimed all-Russian debut recital on Chandos. The program features Ravel’s “Shéhérazade” and Maurice Yvain’s “Je chante la nuit.” The program also includes works by Messiaen, Debussy, Canteloube, Satie, Poulenc, Alfred Bachelet, Pauline Viardot-Garcia, and Cécile Chaminade. Joseph Middleton accompanies on piano.

Album für die Frau 

Soprano Carolyn Sampson and pianist Joseph Middleton release an album entitled Album für die Frau. The album music by both Clara Schumann and Robert Schumann and showcases a complex portrait of one of the nineteenth century’s most loving and creative marriages.

Because You’re Mine

American Tenor Brian Cheney teams up with England’s West End Composer/Lyricist/Producer duo Daniel Curtis and Laura Coyne to create a new album. The new album is a celebration of tenor Mario Lanza’s 100th Birthday filled with Lanza hits “Be My Love”, “Serenade”, “Because You’re Mine”, “Summertime in Heidelberg” and many more.

Sounds of Ancestors

Iranian dramatic soprano Anousha Nazari releases an album of seven Persian ballads accompanied by the wonderful piano performance of Jeyran Ghiaee.