Gounod: Faust / Studer, Van Dam, Hampson

This recording really has it all! A first rate Faust in Richard Leech, he glids through the high notes with ease and confindence unlike anyone else I have heard. His voice is rich and full and doesn't tapper off in the high register. His "Salut... demeure" is such a pleasure. Cheryl Studer was the stand out suprise for me... I was expecting a washed down sloppy Marguerite, boy she really impressed me. She scaled down her signature tone under the ever watchful Plasson, who reads Gounods colorful score with a reserved passion fit to the likes of Beecham. Jose va Dam might not have the power of Christoff, but he is elegant and refined in his Mephistopheles, and you can't find any fault with his singing. And Hanpson gives a lovely reading of Valentin. You really can't go wrong here, there are no sour notes!