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MOZART: Le Nozze di Figaro

_{Kiri Te Kanawa, Lucia Popp, Frederica von Stade, Samuel Ramey, Thomas Allen, London Philharmonic, conducted by Sir Georg Solti (1981)}

This is still the most recommendable modern recording of this masterpiece currently available: strongly characterized by the whole cast with tempi that seem just right. The glorious ensembles are given here with vivid theatricality. Arguably Te Kanawa has never been better than here, in a role perfectly suited to her. Popp provides the most delightfully intelligent, most lovable Susanna on record. Her duet with the Countess is ravishingly beautiful. Von Stade sings with such dramatic veracity that a teenaged Cherubino comes to life before you. Ramey presents a virile, attractive Figaro and Allen sings the Count with swagger and verve. Under Solti's compelling direction the orchestra drives the narrative from the famous overture right through to the redemptive, moving ending.

_{Keith Clancy, Marbecks Classical (2010)}

DECCA 4101502 $95 for 3 CDs
www.marbecks.co.nz