Notable DVD and CD releases for the Month of April

This month we see the release of various DVD's from some of the greatest singers in the world and from the major opera houses.

Last season the Met assembled one of the finest cast to premiere Rossini's last comic opera Le Comte Ory. Juan Diego Florez astonished audiences around the world with his comic timing and his seductive power. Diana Damrau and Joyce Didonato, two of Florez's frequent collaborators added their charisma to create one of the most unforgettable nights. Maurizio Benini conducted an energetic rendition.

Danielle De Niese uses her charisma and seductive powers in this new interpretation of L'Incoronazione di Poppea. Philippe Jarroussky adds his beauitful Counter tenor to the role of Nero. William Christie leads this early masterpiece from the Teatro Real de Madrid.

The DVD of Natalie Dessay's Traviata couldn't be better timed as Dessay takes the title role of Violetta at Met. Dessay's acting skills and Ludovic Tezier's lush baritone made for an unforgettable night at the Aix de Provence. Louis Langree gave an insightful reading of Verdi's masterpiece.

David McVicar's take on Adriana Lecouvreur couldn't be better cast. Angela Gheroghiu's lush voice and Diva like qualities made her the consummate Adriana of our time while Jonas Kaufmann gave one of most memorable renditions of Maurizio with his golden voice. Olga Borodina and Alessandro Corbelli rounded out the remarkable cast. Mark Elder conducted. 

Mariss Jansons leads the Netherlands Opera in Tchaikovsky's masterpiece lead by the remarkable Bo Skvohus and Krassmira Stoyanova. Opus Arte continues their exclusive contract with the Netherlands opera.

Arthaus continues releasing historical performances. This time the German Don Carlos from the Berlin opera House. The cast is lead by the legendary Pilar Lorengar, James King and Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau.Wolfgang Sawallisch conducted this memorable evening.

Deborah Voigt's extraordinary interpretation of Minnie is released from the Met. Last season's HD commemorated the 100th anniversary of the opera's premiere in a memorable evening conducted by Nicola Luisotti. Giancarlo del Monaco's extraordinary production is captured on video for the second time at the Met. 

Those who have followed my blog from the beginning will recall me calling this the worst HD of the year from the 2010-2011 season. This month the Met releases David McVicar's production of Trovatore. And while I can't really speak highly of the cast, the DVD is worth buying for the production as it is probably the best one out there.