The Compact Collection: Bizet: 'Carmen'; 'Alagna sings Berlioz'

Rob Cowan on the best classical CD releases

Richard Strauss thought it an object lesson in fine orchestration and Nietzsche the ultimate ideal in his attack on Wagner. And yet Bizet's Carmen isn't often recorded nowadays, despite its enduring popularity. The latest set to appear is perceptively conducted by Michel Plassonwith an all-star list of principals. Angela Gheorghiu is a controlled, determined Carmen; insinuating, velvet and occasionally vulnerable. Don José, predictably, is Roberto Alagna, ardent as ever with a lightly guttural edge and a seductive pianissimo at the close of his "Flower Song".

The set includes a previously unknown alternative aria to the "Habanera". "L'amour est un enfant Boheme", heard alongside the familiar "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle", has music that while memorable for its delicate woodwind has none of the seductive allure of the "Habanera". Nice to hear though, especially as Plasson is such a persuasive advocate. Indeed, he is the third reason to hear this set. The Toulouse strings have an appealing lustre and Plasson commands the many niceties of the instrumentation. Micaela is feelingly sung by Inva Mula, and Escamillo is an extrovert, appropriately smug-sounding Thomas Hampson. I'd call it a Carmen on tip-toe, free of overstatement, and appreciative of a wonderful score for all the right reasons.

Gheorghiu and Alagna turn up again on equally good form in the duet "Grands dieux!" from La Damnation de Faust, part of an enterprising recital, Alagna sings Berlioz. The repertoire is drawn from Les Troyens, L'Enfance du Christ, Romeo et Juliette, Beatrice et Bénédict, Lélio and Benvenuto Cellini plus "La Marseillaise", all keenly accompanied by the Covent Garden Orchestra under Bertrand de Billy. The name Gérard Depardieu is writ too large perhaps for a one-minute contribution, but the sum effect of this recital is to prompt a return visit to the various parent works.

Bizet: 'Carmen' – Gheorghiu, Alagna, Toulouse Capitole Orchestra/Plasson (EMI 557434-2, three discs)

'Alagna sings Berlioz' – Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden/De Billy (EMI 557433-2)