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ROSSINI: MATILDE DI SHABRAN Soloists: Annick Massis, Juan Diego Florez. Prague Chamber Choir. Orquesta Sinfonica de Galacia. Conductor: Riccardo Frizza Decca 475 7688 *****

Another delightful lesser known masterpiece from Rossini, sung with gusto and style in a live performance from the composer's Festival in Pesaro. While Juan Diego Florez is the star of the evening, the opera is very much a vehicle for lively ensemble work, with some witty writing by Rossini - the cast sparkle and revel in these set pieces. The plot, which deals with the taming of a misogynist tyrant by the soprano, can be tedious at times, with lengthy scenes covering convoluted action. However, the music is vintage Rossini, and Florez is well supported by an idiomatic cast with a wonderful performance by the lead soprano Annick Massis. A fine performance of a sparkling and neglected opera - one that has won this years Gramophone Award for the Best Opera Recording of 2007. www.deccaclassics.com COLMAN MORRISSEY