Album: Alberto Veronesi, Placido Domingo, Violeta Urmana, Puccini Ritrovato, (Deutsche Grammophon)

Echoing the recent trend for classical music played with authentic period instrumentation, Alberto Veronesi here presents a series of Puccini arias and orchestral pieces according to the original versions premiered by the composer. Thus, do we get to hear "Con Onor Muore", Cio-Cio-San's ritual suicide from Madama Butterfly, in a form unheard since the 1904 premiere, and "Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata!" from Manon Lescaut in the original 1893 manner. Though largely of academic interest, it's all skilfully rendered.

Download this: Sia Benedetto il Giorno; Sola, Perduta, Abbandonata!