Verismo: Preludi e Intermezzi

There are plenty of instrumental recordings of music associated with operas, but instrumental excerpts from verismo operas are less common. This is a shame, for one of the strengths of the verismo movement is its way of integrating the orchestra into the action, and the , under its charismatic conductor, , offers some sterling examples here. The album made classical best-seller lists in the autumn of 2023, and one track, the Intermezzo from 's , has even achieved a measure of virality, with its revelation of the suppressed passions that drive the opera toward its conclusion, that is a perfect illustration of the virtues of 's concept. However, the album's joys don't stop there. He leavens the verismo gloom with some upbeat pieces like the overture to 's comedy , an opera about a woman concealing her cigarette smoking that could be revived in any number of ways. The perennially popular from is also here, but much of the material is much less common, and even listeners drenched in the verismo repertory will find much to enjoy here. seems to be propelling the into new territory; the strings are silky, and the whole performance has a lively feeling. The sound from the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall is superior on this highly satisfying orchestral-opera release. ~ James Manheim