Beethoven: Fidelio, Op. 72

For many, Norwegian lyric dramatic soprano Lise Davidsen will be the draw in this studio recording of Beethoven’s only opera, Fidelio, which is also available as a visual album. Still young, Davidsen brings the experience of stage performances at Covent Garden under Royal Opera House music director Antonio Pappano. Her powerful yet supple voice is wonderfully marshaled for this most moving of works, and she totally inhabits the character of Leonore. Then there’s conductor Marek Janowski, a safe pair of hands to which orchestra and choirs respond beautifully. German tenor Christian Elsner is a sweet-voiced, eloquent Florestan, baritone Johannes Martin Kränzle a suitably evil Pizarro, and Austrian bass Günther Groissböck an admirable Don Fernando. The Rocco, Marzelline, and Jaquino are all well-cast. Superbly recorded, too.