Stravinsky: The Rake's Progress / Nagano

This excellent recording gives Stravinsky's underappreciated Rake's Progress a respectable, if unromantic, rebirth. Tom Rakewell's naïve idiocy is perfectly embodied by Jerry Hadley with crisp diction and arrogant bravado, but he doesn't capture Rakewell's remorse and tender side. Upshaw's Ann Truelove is the epitome of grace, commitment, and effortless singing in this most difficult of roles. Unfortunately, Bumbry's Baba, whose voice is impressively well-suited to the role, is loud and humorless, while the charmless Nick Shadow of Ramey shines during the dramatic moments. Stravinsky's magical woodwind writing is artfully captured by Nagano, who conducts with relentless forward motion, missing all opportunities for occasional romantic indulgence. --Barbara Eisner Bayer

Price: $32.98