Offenbach - La Perichole on CD

Description

“Régine Crespin is a somewhat matronly Perichole, but she knows how to tease the textual and melodic phrases in a way that brings the best out of them. Her Piquillo, Alain Vanzo, is the ideal light Offenbach tenor, while Jules Bastin brings experience to the role of the Viceroy, without quite capturing all its comic possibilities. … Alain Lombard directs sympathetically ..,. Those who do not know the score should not miss the chance to fall under its spell. … Of all Offenbach’s major collaborations with Meilhac and Halevy, La Perichole is the one that oozes charm. The satirical touch is there, but the edge is less sharp, and one detects a vein of genuine feeling for the fate of the Peruvian street-singer heroine … “ --Gramophone