Music DVDs

The latest releases reveiwed.

NATALIE DESSAY Le Miracle d'Une Voix - Greatest Moments on Stage Virgin Classics ****

This collection shows the French lyric coloratura soprano at the height of her powers. The only drawback is that the disc contains no less than three performances of the Doll Song from the Tales of Hofmann and two of Zerbinetta's aria from Ariadne auf Naxos. While her interpretations are all distinct, it would have been preferable if the singer had showcased other aspects of her art in a programme with lesser duplication. That said, although Dessay's voice is not especially memorable, her technical proficiency, irrepressible personality and superb acting allow her to breathe vivid life into her characters. The repertoire on this disc covers both tragedy and comedy, and the singer's charisma - supported by imaginative productions - makes for an enjoyable listening and viewing experience. www.virginclassics.com COLMAN MORRISSEY

BRUCE SPRINSGTEEN Live on Air American Legends Ltd ***

Bruce Springsteen can often be terrific on record, and in a live context few can beat him for mixing emotional intimacy with the genuinely anthemic, small gestures in big songs and vice versa. This little gem of a DVD (not for sale in the US, for some reason) features a range of archive performances from film and TV sources. While the video quality isn't always pristine, the performances make up for it. Watch the beads of sweat on his brow during Glory Days (from the Late Show with David Letterman), the concentration throughout Streets of Philadelphia (from the 1993 Oscars ceremony), and the bravado during Living Proof (from Saturday Night Live). At just over an hour, there isn't much gristle here - just lean music, muscular and full of fibre. TONY CLAYTON-LEA