L'elisir D'amore

This "Elisir," well-done throughout, can be strongly recommended. Its cast is relatively unfamiliar to American audiences (except for Alagna, now the hottest young tenor on the international scene) but highly proficient, dramatically as well as musically, and good at working together. The chorus and orchestra, well-conducted, have a refreshing lightness well suited to the opera's atmosphere and Spagnoli and Pratico give it a deft comic touch. Devia sings well but is particularly impressive for her characterization. Alagna's singing rivals Pavarotti's, notably in "Una furtiva lagrima."