This week, three full recordings of popular operas will be released as well as a debut album by one of the most sought-out countertenors in the world.

Winterreise

Berlin Classics releases Schubert’s song cycle with Xavier Sabata and pianist Francisco Poyato. The debut album for Sabata, who is known for his work in Baroque repertory, makes a unique left turn that “makes him a wanderer, in more senses than one, facing the emotional and vocal challenges of Schubert’s ‘Winterreise.'”

In a press release he said, “I am no lover of assignment to particular registers. Many people are happier when they can pigeonhole a thing. That may even provide a degree of reassurance. But music and art must never have labels stuck to them! Every time something is performed, a new work of art is created.”

La Traviata

Prima Classic releases its third album. This time it is the first complete opera recording with Marina Rebeka taking on her signature role alongside Charles Castronovo who has garnered acclaim throughout the world for his interpretation as Alfredo. They are joined by George Petean and the Latvian Festival Orchestra and state choir. Michael Balke conducts the superb recording.

Rodelinda

Jakub Józef Orliński stars in a new production of Handel’s masterpiece with Tim Mead, Jeanine de Bique, Benjamin Hullet, and Andrea Mastroni. Emmanuelle Haïm conducts the new release from Erato.  Jean Bellorini directs the production from the Opéra de Lille.

Orphée et Euridice

Marianne Crebassa stars in the title role of Gluck’s masterpiece. Hélène Guilmette and Lea Desandre also star in a production from the Opéra Comique. Raphaël Pichon conducts the production by Aurélien Bory. Naxos releases the new DVD.