The New Moon (2003 Encores! Revival Concert Cast)
If you want an introduction to Broadway-style operetta, this recording of the 2003 Encores! production ofThe New Moonis an excellent place to start; if you're already a fan, the CD is an essential purchase. Set in late-18th-century New Orleans, the action-packed plot features revolutionaries and their adversaries, star-crossed lovers and of course disputes based on false assumptions. But the show, originally a hit in 1928, is all about the loveliest tunes from Sigmund Romberg, king of Viennese-syle operetta. As the romantic leads (i.e., the Jeanette McDonald/Nelson Eddy roles), versatile soprano Christiane Noll and classically trained baritone Rodney Gilfry are perfectly paired. (Noll's "Lover, Come Back to Me" is particularly vibrant.) Also of note are spectacular contributions from the booming chorus. This album is the first complete recording ofThe New Moon; barring a surprise operetta revival, it could also be the last for a long, long time. Good thing it's so scrumptious.--Elisabeth Vincentelli