Semiramide

"The supporting cast just so-so. But Sutherland, at her appreaciable best both vocally and technically, is memorably partnered by Horne".

"Der neuralogische Punkt der vorliegenden Aufnahme ist die ansonsten in Koloraturpartien höchst geschätzte Albina Shagimuratova. Selbstverständlich hat sie die 'geläufige Gurgel' für Semiramide ... Aber diese Partie verlangt zugleich fast nach einem Lirico Spinto, einer jugendlich-dramatischen Stimme mit viel Raum in Mittellage und auch Tiefe. Und dieser Raum fehlt der Shagimuratova ... Immerhin sorgen Mark Elder und das Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment für eine vitale Partitur-exegese".

"Recording of the month: A complete performance clocks in at around four hours - and that is what Opera Rara offers in this immaculate studio recording ... The Opera Rara Chorus sings some tough music thrillingly well ... The principals are outstanding, getting as an ensemble rather than merely being a parade of soloists. Shagimuratova is captivating tracing the titular queen's emotional development convincingly and singing with a gleaming soprano ... This is another benchmark recording from Sir Mark Elder and Opera Rara".

"This new recording ... reveals Elder's approach to Semiramide to be one of translucence and buoyancy ... which exhibits far more than mere support for his soloists. Shagimuratova reveals a bright and mettlesome soprano, undaunted by the role's demands, and firmly outlines Semiramide's emotional decline and fall. Daniela Barcellona similarly brings accuracy and verve to the role of Arsace ... Barry Banks makes the most of Idreno ... and bass Mirco Palazzi adds to the fireworks as Assur".