Latest releases reviewed

MONIUSZKO: THE HAUNTED MANOR (STRASZNY DWOR)
Soloists: Adam Kruszewski, Iwona Hossa, Anna Lubanska, Krzysztof Szmyt, Stefania Toczyska. Polish National Opera Chorus & Orchestra. Conductor: Jacek Kaspszyk EMI 5 57489 2
Stanislaw Moniuszko was the leading Polish opera composer of the 19th century, and his status within Poland is similar to that of Verdi in Italy. This patriotic opera was written in 1863, after a bloody insurrection in Warsaw, and was well received in London when it was staged in 2004. The highly melodic score has echoes of Donizetti and early Verdi, with Mazurka and other Polish dance rhythms giving it a distinctive national texture of its own. The romantic, complex and improbable plot is probably more suited to operetta than opera, but it does facilitate fine ensembles which are performed here with both gusto and finesse. The soloists are excellent, and anyone looking to discover a new opera with a tuneful and engaging score in the romantic manner will find this work and performance highly rewarding.
www.virginclassics.com