This 70 minutes of a 1987 recording of The Marriage of Figaro offers both of the Countess’ arias, the Count’s, two of Figaro’s, both of Cherubino’s, Susanna’s last act scena, and lots of duets and ensembles, including the opera’s finale. Riccardo Muti leads a tight ship and the singing and ensemble work are excellent. Sadly, the whole performance lacks joy and spontaneity. Thomas Allen seems to work too hard for the darker notes of Figaro’s range, Margaret Price is aloof when she should be warm, and Ann Murray’s Cherubino is a bit faceless. Jorma Hynninen’s Count is quite wonderful, however–arrogant and handsomely sung–and Kathleen Battle’s Susanna is a treat, making us wonder where and how this singer went so wrong just a year or two later. EMI’s sound is bright but artificial. In short, you could do better elsewhere.
