Search - Golden Operetta :: Golden Operetta

Contrast, variety, and good programming.

John Austin | Kangaroo Ground, Australia | 01/20/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Listening to CDs can sometimes be tiresome. We pick up a CD by Tenor A and find it contains 21 operatic arias. We pick up another and finds it contains 8 Rossini overtures. Playing such CDs can induce aural fatigue. While it is convenient to be provided with 70 minute of music at the press of a button, it sometimes forces us to listen to music and performers providing too much of the same thing. All the more welcome, therefore, are anthology CDs such as this one under review. Producer Beardsley and his team have compiled a collection of historical recordings of operetta excerpts that provide variety, contrast and good programming on all counts. There are the familiar and the unfamiliar repertoire items, there is singing in French, German, English, and Swedish. Singers range from coloraturas to basses. In the case of some of the Lehar items, the accompaniments are conducted by the composer. Operetta and historic singer enthusiast will have the time of their lives with this CD, and other interested shoppers will appreciate so much variety and good programming. Robert Hartford and the producer provide notes on the works and the singers. Full recording details are provided. Transfers and reprocessing are excellent."