Performances equal to the great icons of the past

Morley and Brownlee are on sensational form in 19th-century arias and duets, writes George Hall

- George Hall

Golden Age

Works by Donizetti, Rossini, Bizet et al

Erin Morley; Lawrence Brownlee; Münchner Rundfunkorchester; Ivan Repušić Pentatone PTC5187400 62:53 mins

In operatic history, the term 'Golden Age' is used to refer to an almost legendary period of glamorous stars with exceptional voices and impregnable techniques, always placed some considerable distance from the present day.

But in selecting the repertoire for this recording from works by Rossini, Donizetti, Verdi, Bizet and Delibes, the artists involved - soprano Erin Morley and tenor Lawrence Brownlee - show themselves at their respective peaks, and also remind listeners that singers of this mythical quality can be heard today.

Each of them delivers two solo arias while also joining in five duets. Some of the repertoire is familiar: Morley delivers a peerless 'Caro nome' from Rigoletto, while duetting to perfection with Brownlee in 'Tornami a dir' from Donizetti's Don Pasquale.

More unusual are fine accounts of extracts from Rossini's Le comte Ory, Bizet's Les pêcheurs de perles and Delibes Lakmé, while more obscure are those from Bizet's La jolie fille de Perth and Donizetti's Marino Faliero. Throughout, Brownlee's fluid, still youthful tenor offsets Morley's light, bright-toned soprano in a manner close to ideal.

Both singers are completely unfazed by the technical challenges made by the composers involved and are equally fully signed up to the stylistic demands involved; words are perfectly articulated and the crucial high notes perfectly produced.

The result is a vocal partnership delivering a high level of bel canto sophistication with spirit and savoir faire, accompanied perfectly by the Munich orchestra and conductor Ivan Repušić. ★★★★★