Reissues

Borodin Prince Igor

Eloquence 482 6935 (1955) 205:33 mins (3 discs) Belgrade Opera presents Borodin’s sole opera without cuts and some sense of style; but Du an Popovic´’s Igor is surrounded by undistinguished performances, and more recent recordings supersede this. ★★

Rossini Il Barbiere di Siviglia

Sony 19075811272 (1982) 155:18 mins (3 discs) A suave account of Rossini’s classic comedy, with Riccardo Chailly and his La Scala forces clearly enjoying the piece and a top-quality cast fulfilling the requirements of all the principal roles. ★★★★

Rossini La Cenerentola

Sony 18075811282 (1983) 147:46 mins (2 discs) With an almost contralto quality to her mezzo,

Lucia Valentini Terrani brings dignity as well as accomplishment to Rossini’s Cinderella, supported by a choice cast and conductor plus period-instrument forces. ★★★★

Tchaikovsky Eugene Onegin

Eloquence 482 6944 (1955) 149:14 mins (2 discs) This is from the same location and vintage as the Borodin, and suffers in comparison to others in terms of cast, orchestra and especially sound, though Valerija Heybal’s thin-toned Tatyana is offset by Du an Popovic´’s sturdy Onegin. ★★