Latest CD release reviewed

Soloists: Olivier Lallouette, Raffaella Milanesi, Marioe Arnet; Chur de l'Opera de Lausanne. Les Talents Lyriques/ Christophe Rousset Ambroise ****

No composer has been more unjustly maligned than Antonio Salieri, in the 19th century by Pushkin and later by the play and film Amadeus. A contemporary of Mozart, Salieri was a competent composer and considerably more famous than the former during his lifetime. This opera, first performed in 1785, a few month's before Mozart's Figaro, had a greater initial success and remained a favourite in Vienna for many years. On the evidence of these discs it is easy to see why, as it is an inventive score set to a witty libretto, anticipating aspects of both Cosi fan Tutte and Don Giovanni. This lavish issue from Harmonia Mundi includes an interesting DVD, setting the composer and this work in its time and context. A welcome issue of a neglected work. www.ambroisiemusic.com Colman Morrissey