It would be a mistake to dismiss this as yet another “best bits” compilation album, pairing arias from Mozart operas with their overtures. The glorious voice of Elizabeth Watts – now established as one Britain’s leading sopranos – more than justifies the purchase price. She reprises her seductive portrayal of Zerlina in the Royal Opera’s Don Giovanni with a touching Vedrai, carino, and moves us again with Per pietà from Così fan tutte. Christian Baldini makes an impressive recording debut with the SCO, bringing real drive and focus to overtures from Le nozze di Figaro, Idomeneo, Don Giovanni, La clemenza di Tito, La finta giardiniera and Così fan tutte. Thrilling stuff.
