New Opera Releases Feature Lisette Oropesa and Philippe Jaroussky

The latest wave of CD and DVD releases in the opera world showcases a range of performances, featuring renowned artists such as Lisette Oropesa and Philippe Jaroussky. This week’s offerings include a haunting rendition of Donizetti’s “Lucia di Lammermoor,” a deep exploration of Armenian music, and a variety of solo recitals, all perfect for the Halloween season.

Haunting Melodies and Baroque Treasures

Euroarts has unveiled a new recording of “Lucia di Lammermoor,” featuring Lisette Oropesa in a celebrated performance of the iconic mad scene. The cast also includes Stefan Pop, Mattia Olivieri, and Riccardo Zanellato. Accompanying them are the Coro del Teatro Massimo Bellini di Catania and the Orchestra del Teatro Massimo Bellini di Catania, under the direction of Fabrizio Maria Carminati. This release not only highlights the emotional depth of Donizetti’s work but also offers a fitting tribute to the eerie spirit of Halloween.

In a different musical vein, Prima Classic has released an album by Hasmik Torosyan and Giulio Zappa that delves into the compositions of Komitas, a pivotal figure in Armenian music. This album aims to shed light on the rich cultural heritage and musical history of Armenia.

New Voices and Timeless Classics

Aerocade Music has introduced “Canto Caló,” the debut album by New Mexican composer Nicolás Lell Benavides. Featuring mezzo-soprano Melinda Martinez Becker and the Friction Quartet, this album explores themes of identity and ancestral memory through two major works that reflect on cultural connections across generations.

AVIE Records marks the 21st anniversary of Lorraine Hunt Lieberson‘s acclaimed recording of arias by George Frideric Handel. The reissue includes beloved pieces such as “Ombra Mai Fu” from “Serse” and features newly remastered audio available in Dolby Atmos. This celebrates the enduring legacy of Hunt Lieberson’s artistry.

Countertenor Philippe Jaroussky releases “Gelosia,” which includes world premiere recordings of cantatas set to Pietro Metastasio’s text. The album features works by Nicola Porpora, Baldassare Galuppi, and other luminaries of the Baroque era. In a statement, Jaroussky remarked on the personal and experimental nature of cantatas, underscoring their significance as a means of free expression for composers.

Among other notable releases, the duo Whistling Hens has launched “BIG CRASS MONSTER,” an album that amplifies underrepresented voices through music by composers like Beethoven and Gershwin. Meanwhile, The Crossing presents “Farming,” a powerful reflection on humanity’s relationship with technology, composed by Ted Hearne.

Brilliant Classics has released “María de Buenos Aires,” a tango-operita by Astor Piazzolla, featuring Ce Suarez Paz and conducted by Filippo Arlia. Additionally, Capriccio has produced the first complete recording of Kurt Weill’s “Love Life,” featuring a talented cast conducted by James Holmes.

These recent releases reflect the vibrant diversity of opera and classical music today, bringing together a wide range of styles and voices that resonate with both traditional and contemporary audiences.