Reonckavallo : Kageki [ Doukeshi ] (Zenkyoku )

Finally, a relative drought of new 'Pagliacci' recordings is ended, and in rather spectacular fashion. Especially when compared with earlier classic accounts, most of which are decades older, this one stands out for its sumptuous sound and the ravishing playing of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra under Riccardo Chailly, all of which reveals a wealth of detail in a score whose beauty may be underrated. Leading the excellent cast, Jose Cura makes a strong and thoughtful Canio, never out of control, but intensely focused throughout, while Barbara Frittoli1s Nedda is a model of sensuous singing and dramatic delicacy. This is certainly the finest and best sounding digital 'Pag' yet and would seem destined to become a classic in its own right.