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VERDI: NABUCCO Soloists: Ambrogio Maestri, Andrea Gruber, Paata Burchuladze, Nazzareno Antinori. Coro del Teatro Municipale di Piacenza. Orchestra della Fondazione Arturo Toscanini Arthaus Musik  ****

Nabucco, first performed in La Scala in 1842, was Verdi's breakthrough composition and the first work in which his genius came to full fruition. This production from Piacenza in Italy is a good example of the high standards in provincial opera houses all over Italy. The principal roles are well sung (after a shaky start), while the imaginative sets make maximum use of the limited stage and create a convincing impression of early Babylon. The centrepiece is, of course, the great Slave Chorus, Va Pensiero, and it is lyrically sung with the staging reminiscent of a biblical painting. A point of reflection: if Piacenza, a city the size of Cork, can have its own opera house and stage several productions of this standard annually, why can't this rich country afford even one opera house in its capital?

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Colman Morrissey

VELVET UNDERGROUND Velvet Redux - Live MCMXCIII Warner/Sire ****

This was a momentous occasion: the reunion of one of the most influential rock bands of the past 50 years. And what a sight it is to see the urbane John Cale, the grouchy Lou Reed, the obviously ill Sterling Morrison and the endearing Moe Tucker put behind past grievances and undertake a short European tour (in 1993) for the fans, if no one else. Except, quite clearly past grievances have not been put aside - Reed might put an arm around Cale's shoulder, but it's a show of affection that's looked at with a mixture of bemusement and surprise. Entertaining internal conflicts apart, the music is great - Venus in Furs, Femme Fatale, I'll Be Your Mirror, Sweet Jane, Pale Blue Eyes and more Velvet faves (including rarities such as I'm Sticking with You) than we possibly deserve are delivered with twitchy enthusiasm, and prove what a fully (dys)functioning unit this lot once were and could have been (if they had continued beyond the remit of the tour). No extras unless you count the simmering loathing between certain members of the band.

Tony Clayton-Lea