Celebrated Artists Release New Opera CDs and DVDs Just in Time for Halloween

A host of acclaimed artists are making waves in the opera world with new CD and DVD releases, perfectly timed for the Halloween season. This week features a variety of solo recitals and showcases of baroque music, alongside lesser-known works from Armenia and Argentina. These recordings not only highlight the talent of celebrated performers but also delve into the emotional depths of opera through unique themes and compositions.

Haunting Performances and Cultural Explorations

Euroarts is set to enchant audiences with its release of Gaetano Donizetti‘s iconic opera, Lucia di Lammermoor. The production stars Lisette Oropesa in a gripping portrayal that captures the essence of the opera’s famed mad scene. Joining her are Stefan Pop, Mattia Olivieri, and Riccardo Zanellato, accompanied by the Coro del Teatro Massimo Bellini di Catania and the Orchestra del Teatro Massimo Bellini di Catania, under the baton of conductor Fabrizio Maria Carminati. This release is sure to resonate with fans of the genre, particularly during the Halloween festivities.

In a celebration of Armenian musical heritage, Prima Classic has launched an album featuring music composed by Komitas, an influential Armenian figure known for his work as a composer and ethnographer. The album, performed by Hasmik Torosyan and Giulio Zappa, showcases the rich tapestry of Armenian culture through its melodies and rhythms.

Meanwhile, Aerocade Music introduces “Canto Caló,” a debut album by New Mexican composer Nicolás Lell Benavides. The release features mezzo-soprano Melinda Martinez Becker and the Friction Quartet, exploring themes of New Mexican identity and ancestral memories. This album reflects on the connections forged through generations and the impact of cultural heritage on personal identity.

Timeless Arias and World Premieres

AVIE Records has unveiled a deluxe reissue of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson‘s iconic recordings of George Frideric Handel arias, marking the 21st anniversary of this celebrated album. The remastered tracks include Irene’s arias from “Theodora,” the cantata “La Lucrezia,” and the beloved aria “Ombra Mai Fu” from “Serse.” This timeless collection, now available digitally in Dolby Atmos, underscores Lieberson’s unique artistry and enduring appeal.

Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky is also in the spotlight with the release of a new album titled “Gelosia,” featuring world premiere recordings of cantatas based on Pietro Metastasio’s text. The album includes compositions by Nicola Porpora and Baldassare Galuppi, alongside works by Vivaldi, Handel, and Alessandro Scarlatti. In a statement, Jaroussky noted the personal and experimental nature of these cantatas, describing them as “a kind of personal diary for composers.”

The duo Whistling Hens has released an album titled “BIG CRASS MONSTER,” which features four works aimed at amplifying forgotten voices and misunderstood legacies through music. The album pays tribute to significant figures such as Beethoven, Debussy, and Gershwin, among others.

In a thought-provoking exploration of contemporary themes, The Crossing has debuted a new album featuring music by composer Ted Hearne. Titled “Farming,” the work addresses the complex relationship between humanity and technology.

Finally, Brilliant Classics has released Astor Piazzolla’s tango-operita “María de Buenos Aires,” featuring a talented cast including Ce Suarez Paz and Gualtiero Scola. Conducted by Filippo Arlia with the Orchestra della Calabria Filarmonica, this album promises to transport listeners to the vibrant world of Argentine tango.

Capriccio rounds out the week with the first complete recording of Kurt Weill’s “Love Life: A Vaudeville in Two Parts.” This significant release features performances by Quirijn de Lang, Stephanie Corley, Themba Mvula, and Justin Hopkins, conducted by James Holmes with the Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North.

These releases not only showcase the incredible talent of the artists involved but also highlight the diverse themes and cultural narratives present in today’s opera and classical music landscape. The continued exploration of these rich traditions ensures that the art form remains vibrant and relevant for contemporary audiences.