Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492

Strongly cast, Nézet-Séguin’s Figaro makes a powerful impression. Underpinned by a Chamber Orchestra of Europe revelling in the work’s rich drama, the characters come alive with striking immediacy. Thomas Hampson and Sonya Yoncheva make a fine foil for their servants Luca Pisaroni and Christiane Karg, both offering nicely rounded portrayals and some really glorious singing. As Cherubino, Angela Brower lives the part. Luxuriously cast, Anne Sofie von Otter and Rolando Villazón make much of their small roles. This is a Marriage of Figaro rich in incident and nicely judged, and the recitatives with cello and fortepiano are a joy.