Latest CD releases reviewed

ERKEL: BANK BAN
Soloists: Kolos Kovats, Eva Marton, Denes Gulyas, Atilla Kiss B. Honved Male Chorus. Hungarian National Chorus. Orchestra for Hungarian Millenium. Conductor: Tamas Pal Warner 0927-44606-2
****
The success of Italian Opera in the early 19th century led to the building of magnificent opera houses in the capitals of Europe, many of which are still in splendid use today. Simultaneously, composers attempted to create individual, national operatic styles, and Ferenc Erkel is remembered as the founder of Hungarian-language opera. Bank Ban, his best known work, was premiered in 1861 and is about the historic resistance of Hungarians to German rule. It has always been popular in Hungary, and from the evidence of these discs - the sound track for a film of the opera - it is easy to see why. A melodic and dramatic work, it has overtones of early Verdi and some very fine ensembles. Well sung, as on these discs, it is a highly enjoyable work, and it would be interesting to see the film.  www.warnerclassics.com
Colman Morrissey