Manon (complete opera) (with works by Berlioz & Debussy)

"Recorded in mono in 1955, the set fell at a unique point in the opera's history on disc.
Previous recordings from the 78rpm era had captured the special Opéra-Comique spirit for posterity, but they hold limited sonic appeal to present-day collectors; later recordings have upto- date sound, but their international casts generally can't claim the same sense of style. Only with this 1955 set do we get the best of both worlds.
Already at the time a practised exponent of Manon on stage, de los Angeles makes a vivid heroine, allowing us to see every expression passing across her face, almost as if we were watching a video. Maybe the role lies a little high for her, but de los Angeles surprised herself on the day of recording by hitting the high D in the Cours-la- Reine scene. Monteux's skill in his native French repertoire is second to none, and he brings exemplary sparkle to the music. 1It would be possible to find fault with various members of the supporting cast, but that's to miss the point. They sing with a grace and wit that nobody from outside the Opéra-Comique tradition can replicate easily. Henri Legay did not have a great tenor voice, but the poetry and the passion of Des Grieux come as second nature to him. Michel Dens's lively Lescaut and Jean Borthayre's serious Comte des Grieux are no less idiomatic; and the delectably perfumed Guillot of René Hérent is a collector's item in the best sense of the term, as he had been singing this role with the company since his début in 1918.
There's now a clear choice between this reissue and EMI's fine new Pappano set. Opera collectors will probably want both." (Gramophone)

"no one has recorded the role of Manon...quite as bewitchingly as Victoria de los Angeles...The voice is at its most golden, and this vivid new transfer from Testament gives the mono sound extra warmth and immediacy...Monteux in one of his rare opera recordings is masterly in his timing and phrasing." (Penguin Guide)