Opera

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews two recent reissues of composer Benjamin Britten conducting two of his works, "Albert Herring" and "Billy Budd."

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new issue of a live recording of the opera "Adriana Lecouvreur" by the Italian composer Francesco Cilea. In this performance, Cilea's favorite soprano, Magda Olivero, sings the title role. This recording was made by a fan who snuck in a tape recorder to what turned out to be Olivero's farewell performance in the role.

The American composer was born in the 19th century, and has won nearly every major music award. At 93, he still lives in New York's Chelsea Hotel. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new album of his symphonic and operatic works.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the soprano's new recital album on Nonesuch. He says the album succeeds both because of its performances and program.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a recording of the recent opera Valis, based on Philp K. Dick's novel of the same name. He says much of the music is haunting, but is often repetitive and sentimental. Yet it's still a beguiling piece of wizardry.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new live recording of composer Bedrich Smetana's patriotic music, including his oft-performed "Ma Vlast."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a CD of Olaf Bar's performances of selections from Mozart's operatic oeuvre. Schwartz says Bar's lower range is limited, causing him to growl and bark. It's an affect that might work for a full production, but is distracting in a recital setting.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews reissues of the songwriting team's music, recorded in the early 20th century. Schwartz praises the performers' precise renditions of these classic compositions.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new collection of recordings by the African American singer Marian Anderson, a contralto known for her masterful rendition of art songs and spirituals.

Classical music critic says that no music is more fun than a good operetta. A new collection of lesser known works by composer Jacques Offenbach is more fun than almost any other album this year.

"Berlin" and "American Theater Songs" are now available on a single CD, featuring Weill's wife and collaborator Lotte Lenya. But some of the songs have been cut or edited for brevity. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz calls that decision "immoral," and says the original LPs are now more essential than ever.

Classical music Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new collection of Renata Tebaldi's performances. The recordings are so good that he's willing to overlook the soprano's sometimes forced, theatrical effects.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz talks to Fresh Air's Terry Gross about an updated version of Mozart's Figaro. The opera, directed by Peter Sellars, is set in New York City -- but is still sung in Italian.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the cast recording of the contemporary opera "Nixon in China." The score was written by minimalist composer John Adams.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new CD that captures the legendary maestro Arturo Toscanini leading the NBC Symphony Orchestra in rehearsals of the second and third acts of Verdi's "La Traviata."

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a 1986 recording of a live performance of Leonard Bernstein's opera "A Quiet Place," the sequel to "Trouble in Tahiti." "A Quiet Place" traces what happened to the characters introduced in "Trouble in Tahiti," a satiric look at marriage and life in the suburbs.

Andrew Porter. He's the classical music critic for The New Yorker Magazine. He's just published a collection of his articles in a book titled Musical Events.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews the new recording of Philip Glass's opera, "Akhnaten". The performance features Paul Esswood in the title role, and Dennis Russell Davies conducting the Stuttgart State Opera and chorus.

Regina Resnick. After a forty-year career as an operatic mezzo-soprano, she is now making her debut on Broadway in the revival of the musical "Cabaret."

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new Angel Records CD of previously unreleased performances of soprano Maria Callas.