Paul Dukas: Ariane Et Barbe-bleue

SCHMIEGE; KENNEDY; TAILLON; KÖLNER RUNDFUNKCHOR; KÖLNER RUNDFUNK-SINFONIE-ORCHESTER; BERTINI

a recording with modern sound that brings out the full glory of Dukas’s luminous score. From the very first bar Gary Bertini reveals a mastery of the score that puts in the shade all but Bertrand de Billy, achieving a menacing quality and tension missing elsewhere, and surging to brilliant effect at key orchestral moments such as the opening of the various doors of Bluebeard’s castle to reveal ever greater hordes of priceless jewels. Altogether this newcomer seems to me a clear winner all round. © 2012 Gramophone

Price: $33.98