Erwin Schrott: Arias

Erwin Schrott, equipped with a huge voice that sounds even bigger on disc than in the opera house, is one of the most charismatic bass baritones before the public today. Offstage he is partner of the diva Anna Netrebko, and together they make one of the most glamorous couples in opera. Here he sings a number of popular pieces for baritone and bass, interspersed with larger chunks from lesser known operas and excerpts from the Hispanic tradition. The result is mixed, with some very good elements such as Schrott's singing of the Zarzuela arias by Sorozabal (although his rendition of Escamillo's Toreador song lacks conviction). His voice, meanwhile, is magnificent in the middle of its range but pushed somewhat at the extremes. sonyclassical.com