Massenet's "Herodiade" on Naxos.

[Revilod]

Massenet's star has probably risen more rapidly than any other composer's in recent years. Naxos has just released a new recording of "Herodiade" from Deutsche Oper. It will almost certainly be not entirely complete, though, as it's on just two discs. Should be worth investigating, though.

Introduction:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXovC3tSPE8

and a sung extract ( from 5' 12" ) here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HlH3hib-WM&t=312s

[Alan Howe]

Thanks - yes, I saw this too. However, there are two studio recordings which potential purchasers should probably consider: one conducted by Plasson with a stellar cast (Studer, Heppner, etc.) and the other by Gergiev, similarly well sung (Fleming, Domingo, etc.) They may be hard to find, though. There is also a version conducted by Viotti (with Domingo) which is well thought of but which I haven't heard.

[Maury]

Performances

Manon, Werther, Manon, Werther, Manon, Werther, Manon, Werther ...

The increase in recordings is indisputable as the vast majority of his operas finally have decent to excellent recordings. For one of the very greatest opera composers this was overdue by decades. Performances, though not so much.

[Revilod]

Plasson and Gergiev are excellent. Viotti has tightened up the drama by reorganising the arias. His is an Italianate performance which works well on its own terms. Lloyd-Jones is also excellent. Over 30 minutes' worth of music has been excised, though, and there is one disastrous cut.