Fans of this opera definitely will want this CD–a clean, clear reading of the piece, quite unpretentious and true to the score. Lawrence Rapchack leads the ensemble of Chicago Opera Theatre with a knowledgeable hand, always generating musical interest and excitement and letting the opera’s famous numbers such as “The Black Swan” or “Monica’s Waltz” breathe and flow naturally. Patrice Michaels Bedi plays Monica sweetly if a bit too heavily (vocally speaking), and Joyce Castle is as imposing and ugly as Madame Flora ought to be (although she lacks the sheer terror-inspiring quality of Marie Powers). The rest of the cast–those also present at the séance when a mysterious hand touches the fraudulent Madame Flora–sing true to form. Overall, the sound is a little dry for optimum effect but otherwise it’s excellent, and it’s nice to see this compact, entertaining opera getting the attention that it deserves. [3/7/2002]
