Diva, Divo Virgin Classics****

This is an eclectic choice of material, a selection from male and female roles in operas designed to highlight the versatility of the mezzo soprano. In the words of DiDonato herself: “The mezzo soprano has always been called upon to bend the genders, to convince equally in both pants and skirts.” The varying roles chosen here place considerable demands on the singer’s capacity to create character and gender by vocal means alone. It is a tribute to her vocal dexterity and musical intelligence that she succeeds in repertoire ranging from classical Mozart to high romantic Berlioz, although some characterisations are more convincing than others. As one would expect, DiDonato is most convincing in Rossini, Bellini and the French repertoire. Overall, this is an enjoyable recital of an unusual range of musical bon-bons, with the Orchestre et Choeur de l’Opéra National de Lyon, conducted by Kazushi Ono. See virginclassics.com