Sparkles and thrills

Diana Damrau on disc

Tudor Queens: Scenes from Anna Bolena, Maria Stuarda and Roberto Devereux

With Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia Choir & Orchestra/antonio Pappano Erato 9029528093

‘Diana Damrau, luminous of voice, is surely the perfect exponent of this repertoire: adept at surmounting the music’s technical challenges in its dramatic moments, yet equally capable of exhibiting the tenderness for which these roles call.’

Strauss Four Last Songs With Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra/ Mariss Jansons

Erato 9029530346 ‘Damrau is on excellent form, her metallic and incisive sound matching the instrumentalists’ clarity and precision.’

Wolf Italienisches Liederbuch

With Jonas Kaufmann (tenor), Helmut Deutsch (piano) Erato 9029565866 ‘Damrau evokes each scenario magnificently, savouring every word in a delightfully extrovert performance which sparkles and thrills.’ Bellini I Puritani

With Javier Camarena, Ludovic Tézier, Nicolas Testé; Chorus & Orchestra of Teatro Real, Madrid/ Evelino Pidò; dir. Emilio Sagi Bel Air Classiques 142 (DVD) ‘The most important thing to say about this production is that its star, Damrau, is fully in command of all aspects of the role. Her singing has all the pathos and flexibility to bring this rather pallid character to abundant life.’

Mozart Donna

With Le Cercle de l’harmonie/jérémie Rhorer Erato 2120232 ‘Damrau gives an intelligently planned and superbly executed recital. I can’t remember when I last enjoyed a Mozart recital of this kind so much.’