Nielsen

| Maskarade | Danish SO & Chor/Michael Schonwandt | Dacapo MC SACD 6.220641-42

Carl Nielsen’s comic opus Maskarade made its first appearance in 1906 to ravishing success, and that success continues today, its status essentially solidified as Denmark’s national opera. It is an energetic and tuneful piece, though the plot is not easy to follow so a libretto is essential, and a review beforehand helps greatly. This is the second SACD release of the opera and the excellence of the cast, all of whom are completely delightful and engaging, plus the radiant playing of the DNSO under Michael Schonwandt, along with sound quality that is both state-of-the-art and wonderfully balanced, mean that this recording, spread over two discs, is the one to own unless you are a Nielsen completist and want all versions on various media. But do enjoy this marvellous opera if you don’t know it, and audiophiles will have nothing to gripe about either.