Since you are interested in Lehar: Die Lustige Witwe [Merry Widow] (Complete opera recorded in 1965), here is a list of other items that you may find interesting.
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SAINT-SAENS
Samson et Dalila (Complete opera recorded in 1973) James King, Christa Ludwig, Bernd Weikl / Munich Radio Orchestra / Giuseppe Patane [ Sony Opera House / 2 CD - released 1/Sep/2009 ] "King and Ludwig are not to be underestimated, of course. They are best in the 'speaking' chromaticisms of the Trio with the Old Hebrew, best where the music is nearest to the Wagner idiom." (Gramophone) |
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LUDWIG van BEETHOVEN
Beethoven: Fidelio (Complete opera recorded in 1982) Jeannine Altmeyer, Peter Meven, Theo Adam / Rundfunkchor Leipzig, Men's Choir Rundfunkchor Berlin, Gewandhausorchester Leipzig, Kurt Masur [ Sony Classical Opera / 2 CD Box Set - released 1/Aug/2016 ] "The most telling contributions certainly come from conductor, orchestra and chorus. The playing here is in the highest class, and Masur's control of speed and balance is not to be questioned" (Gramophone) |
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WAGNER
Die Meistersinger von Nurnberg (Complete Opera recorded in 1963) Jess Thomas, Claire Watson & Hans Hotter / Chor der Bayerischen Staatsoper, Aushilfschor / Bayerisches Staatsorchester, Joseph Keilberth [ Sony Opera House / 4 CD Box Set - released 20/Feb/2010 ] "Historic but still handsome-sounding Wagner hails from the opening of Munich's Bavarian State Opera 18 years after the bombing. Joseph Keilberth keeps Die Meistersinger all helpfully on the move, Prelude included, and distinguished casting includes... |
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KURT WEILL
The Seven Deadly Sins / The Threepenny Opera (Suite) Julia Migenes, Robert Tear, Stuart Kale, Alan Opie / London Symphony Orchestra, Michael Tilson Thomas [ Sony Opera House / 2 CD - released 1/Feb/2012 ] "Julia Migenes manages to bring out the bitterness and irony of the text, whilst combining it with an appropriately seductive, even erotic soprano sound. In support Michael Tilson Thomas weaves a dazzling sound, bringing out fully the symphonic and... |
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VERDI
Macbeth (Complete opera recorded in 1959) Leonard Warren, Carlo Bergonzi, Leonie Rysanek / Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf [ Sony Opera House / 2 CD - released 20/Mar/2011 ] Includes a three-language synopsis (English/French/German), full cast list and detailed track list. |
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GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi: Un Ballo in Maschera [The Masked Ball] (Complete opera recorded in 1967) Leontyne Price, Carlo Bergonzi & Shirley Verrett / RCA Italiana Opera Chorus & RCA Italiana Opera Orchestra, Erich Leinsdorf [ Sony Opera House / 2 CD - released 20/Feb/2010 ] "Bergonzi is both impassioned and refined in what was, perhaps, his best and favourite role, He chuckles urbanely in the laughing song, declaims his love for Amelia with real ardour and laments giving her up with deep sensitivity and plangent tone." |
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GIUSEPPE VERDI
Verdi: La forza del destino [The force of destiny] (Complete Opera recorded in 1976) Leontyne Price, Placido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Fiorenza Cossotto / John Allois Choir & London Symphony Orchestra, James Levine [ Sony Opera House / 3 CD Box Set - released 1/Feb/2012 ] "strongly cast down to the smallest comprimario roles. Admirers of Leontyne Price will undoubtedly be tempted by a set which includes her Leonora, strongly supported by Domingo (his first attempt at Don Alvaro) and Miln." (Gramophone) |
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WAGNER
Lohengrin (Complete Opera recorded in 1982) Peter Hofmann, Karan Armstrong, Elizabeth Connell / Bayreuth Festival Chorus and Orchestra, Woldemar Nelsson [ Sony Opera House / 3 CD Box Set - released 20/May/2011 ] "Where this version is admirable is in its orchestra and chorus. Richly singing tone from the strings in the Prelude and many other places is seconded by wind and brass whose quality can be heard more easily than in the earlier Bayreuth sets, and the... |