"Mascagni composed some intriguing and often memorable music for his Japanese opera, beginning with the magnificent prologue ... Ultimately, though, we are not moved by Iris's gruesome fate in the same way that we are by Butterfly's death ... In fact, as a general statement, everyone on this recording performs extremely well, and they can be proud of their achievement ... Karine Babajanyan has the distinct advantage ... in that her voice sounds youthful ... Samuele Simoncini copes very well in his rather ungrateful role of Osaka. He has a clear, firm voice ... I am grateful for this new recording of Mascagni's neglected Japanese gem. The Berliner Operngruppe should be well content with their effort".