Mozart Album
This compendium of Mozart arias, duets and a trio, some of which have been released before (two of theMagic Flutearias, by Pape and Miklosa, come from the new, complete DG recording under Abbado), seems to have been built around the spectacular new superstar, Anna Netrebko. She sings on six of the 13 tracks. Her Susanna is unaffected but sensual; Elettra's final rage-aria fromIdomeneois a bit large for her, but she sings it with real passion. The first act Anna-Ottavio duet fromDon Giovanniwith tenor Christian Strehl is exciting, with both singers giving their all. "La ci darem" with baritone Thomas Quasthoff is alluring. A little duet fromClemenza, with mezzo Elina Garanca (who also sings a fine "Parto, parto" from the same opera) is lovely, and "Zeffiretti lusinghieri" is as smooth as silk. Quasthoff also offer a fine Papageno and Leporello, while Bryn Terfel's rendition of the Count's aria fromFigarois big and broad. Terfel, soprano Miah Persson and mezzo Christine Rice end the CD with the "Soave sia il vento" trio fromCosi.--Robert Levine