The latest releases reviewed

ELINA GARANCA: MOZART OPERA & CONCERT ARIAS Camerata Salzburg; conductor: Louis Langree Virgin Classics ****

This young Latvian mezzo soprano has built a considerable reputation since her acclaimed debut at Salzburg in 2003. Her chosen programme here is a cross-section of difficult Mozart arias, which both showcase her technique and test her range. On the evidence of this disc Garanca has a warm and very fine voice, somewhat less colourful in the upper register than in the lower, but backed up by a formidable technique. Her legato is excellent in these testing arias, and with time and experience she will enter more into the soul of the characters. This singer is well prepared for what should be a glittering career. It's of interest to note that she has been a pupil of Virginia Zeani, who herself gave some unforgettable performances on the Dublin opera stage some 50 years ago. www.virginclassics.com

Colman Morrissey