Latest releases reviewed

PURCELL: DIDO AND AENEAS
Soloists: Susan Graham, Ian Bostridge, Camilla Tiling, Felicity Palmer; European Voices; Le Concert d'Astree. Emmanuelle Haim. harpsichord & direction. 
Virgin Veritas 7243 5 45605 21
**** 

Dido and Aeneas contains some of Purcell's finest music, and Dido's solo "When I am laid in earth" is still among the greatest of all operatic laments. It was always popular in England and now, with the revival of interest in early opera worldwide, it is being performed by many fine international artists. Here it is presented by a French ensemble and director with the name parts being taken by an American soprano and an English tenor. Emmanuelle Haim has clearly studied the score deeply, and her restrained use of orchestral and choral forces heightens their intensity. Susan Graham is a moving Dido, and while Ian Bostridge is somewhat anonymous as Aeneas, the supporting singers are fully involved. A fine performance of a great work, which was among the finalists for the Gramophone Opera Awards this year. www.virginclassics.com