Berlioz: Les Troyens

The epic tale of the fall of Troy haunted Berlioz from childhood and inspired some of his most passionately dramatic, richly colorful music. This is Colin Davis's second recording of Les Troyens, following his (out-of-print) 1969 version. Magnificent though it was, some reckoned that reading lacked something in zip. Here, however, such reservations could never apply. Recorded across several lavishly praised concert performances in London in December 2000, this Troyens has an extraordinary electricity and rhythmic drive.

Ben Heppner combines lyricism with heroic strength as Aeneas, while Michelle de Young as Dido, though not erasing memories of Janet Baker's brilliance in the role, produces a ravishing, creamy sound. Both perhaps lack the last ounce of character (and their French is occasionally flat-vowelled). Petra Lang as Cassandra is attention-grabbing from the start of the opera with her panache and commitment. Also catching the ear are Stephen Milling's granitelike Narbal and Sara Mingardo's bewitching tones as Anna. The LSO gives its magnificent all and the London Symphony Chorus is likewise in terrific form, although some will miss the clear-cut timbre of a full-fledged opera chorus. The ultimate stars, though, are Berlioz and his faithful champion, Davis. --Andrew Green