Plácido Domingo, Angela Gheorghiu, Nino Machaidze, Fabio Maria Capitanucci. Orchestre Symphonique et Choers de la Monniae/ Alberto Veronesi Deutsche Grammophon***

Plácido Domingo turned 70 this year and is still singing (and conducting) at a phenomenal level. Here he turns his attention to the verismo repertoire. Fedorawas written by Umberto Giordano after the enthusiastic reception for Andrea Chénier, his best- known work. Enthusiastically received at its premiere in 1898, not least because the tenor lead was sung by a young Caruso, Fedorahas since faded from the main repertoire. A full-blooded verismo opera, it is competent rather than memorable, with just the one big tune, Amor ti Vieta. The title role is sung here by Angela Gheorghiu, who sings beautifully but lacks bite and fire. Countess Olga is well sung by the rising young Georgian soprano Nino Machaidze; the other supporting cast is also good. See deutschegrammophon.com