Mozart - Idomeneo, Re di Creta (KV 366)
Idomeneowas Mozart's first "great" opera, composed when he was just 25. A very serious work, coming in at over three hours and with few big set  numbers (closed-end arias, duets, etc.), it has never been as popular asThe Magic Flute,Figaro, andDon Giovanni. And when it is presented, it's normally because a famous tenor wants to show off his Mozartean style (bothPavarottiandDomingohave recorded it). But if there were ever a case for the work's greatness and "saleability," it's this recording. British tenor Ian Bostridge is ideal in the title role, and he sings the very difficult, first version of his second act aria with passion and ease; elsewhere, he's authoritative and moving. As his son, Idamante, Lorranine Hunt Lieberson proves herself one of the finest Mozarteans around. Lisa Milne makes a lovely Ilia, singing her arias beautifully. Barbara Frittoli moves away from her normal Verdi roles to portray the crazy Elettra with just the right mania, and Anthony Rolfe Johnson (who has sung the title role) is welcome in the role of Arbace. Conductor Mackerras presents the opera complete, and the playing and singing of the orchestra and chorus are brilliant. If you don't knowIdomeneoalready, now's the time to get acquainted.--Robert Levine