A review of the latest releases

RAUTAVAARA: THE GIFT OF THE MAGI
Veraejaepelto Choir. Tapiola Sinfonietta. Conductor: Patri Sakari Arthaus Musik *****

Finnish composer Einojuhani Rautavaara has adapted a story by O Henry for this short opera, and the result is magical. The story is about poor newlyweds who make great sacrifices to give each other Christmas presents as expressions of their love.

The musical writing is modern but melodic and conveys mood and feeling rather than advancing the action, which is appropriate for an opera written for television. The vivid orchestral colours illuminate the realistic settings while also capturing the feelings of the characters towards each other. The disc also contains a portrait of the composer called The Gift of Dreams. A lovely release. www.arthaus-musik.com  Colman Morrissey

MARIA TECCE
Live from Prague Divine Records **

Bostonian Maria Tecce is one of the highlights of Ireland's smart and adventurous cabaret scene. Her cheekbones can slice a man's ego in half, her smile could thaw Siberia, and the way she might direct her finely scuplted eyebrows at you is only frightening. A pity, then, that her first foray into capturing her captivating live act is this bog-standard performance recording of two shows at last year's Prague Fringe Festival. There is little at all wrong with the performance itself, or with the choice of songs (including Oh Lady Be Good, Christmas Card from a Hooker in Minneapolis and the truly trashy, classy I Am a Vamp). Rather, the main culprit is a deadening lack of atmosphere and barely any creative strategy in the filming. Which means it's probably best to see the artist live. Extras? None on my review copy. www.mariatecce.com   Tony Clayton-Lea