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ROSSINI: IL BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA Soloists: Elena Garanca, Nathan Gunn, Lawrence Brownlee; Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks, Munchner Rundfunkorchester. Conductor: Miguel Gomez-Martinez Sony Classical 82876 80429 ****

This new recording is welcome on two counts. Firstly, Rossini's The Barber of Seville - one of the most popular operas in the repertoire - has not been recorded in recent years; and secondly, this live recording of a concert performance has a fine cast well up to the lively vocal demands of the work, combined with a conductor who moves the music on with a light touch and a sure sense of the comic genius of the drama. With the exception of Elina Garanca (who sings Susanna), the cast is not well known internationally, but they all give assured performances, with fine singing of both solo parts and ensembles. This is an excellent modern recording of a timeless masterpiece. www.sonyclassical.com

COLMAN MORRISSEY