The Daily Telegraph

'There is a lot to be said for hearing a fast-moving comedy like Figaro sung in the language of the audience. And with the cast really savouring Jeremy Sams’s racy translation, every twist of the intricate plot can be followed without constant recourse to the libretto. I don’t think a Figaro recording has ever made me laugh as much... If you think you are allergic to opera in translation, this delightful performance could make you think again.'

 

 

Registered charity number: 258224

The Gramophone

‘Well-cast and in a lively translation, this engaging Figaro is full of fun and fizz... words are clear, notably from the men, and the complex plot is well conveyed... the vocal acting of Purves and Dazeley clearly establishes each character... Rebecca Evans’s warm, golden tone as Susanna might be thought to qualify her as a future Countess, who is firmly and clearly sung here by Yvonne Kenny... Diana Montague is ideal as Cherubino and Frances McCafferty is a distinctive, unexaggerated Marcelline.’

International Record Review

'The Chandos Opera in English series, with the generous support of the Peter Moores Foundation, brings us a fine account of The Marriage of Figaro in Jeremy Sams’s stylish and witty translation. The main advantage for English listeners with limited Italian is that, for once, it’s possible to absorb the contents of the recitatives without having to bury one’s head in the libretto booklet... this Figaro is a real team achievement. Its inclusion in what is already a formidable list of impressive opera recordings in English will be widely welcomed and greatly enjoyed.'

 

CHAN 3113

5 January 2009

The Peter Moores Foundation supports projects which come to the attention of its Patron, or Trustees, through their interests and special knowledge. General applications for grants are not encouraged and are unlikely to succeed.

Opera buffa in three acts
Libretto by Lorenzo Da Ponte
English translation by Jeremy Sams

The Cast

William Dazeley, baritone - Count
Yvonne Kenny, soprano - Countess
Rebecca Evans, soprano - Susanna
Christopher Purves, bass-baritone - Figaro
Diana Montague, mezzo-soprano - Cherubino
Jonathan Veira, baritone - Bartolo
Frances McCafferty, mezzo-soprano - Marcellina
John Graham Hall, baritone - Basilio
Stuart Kale, tenor - Don Curzio
Graham Danby, bass - Antonio
Sarah Tynan, soprano - Barbarina
Yvette Bonner, soprano - Girl
Victoria Joyce, soprano (PMF Scholar) - Girl
Philharmonia Orchestra
Geoffrey Mitchell Choir
David Parry - conductor

Recorded in Blackheath Halls
1-7 September 2003
Producer - Brian Couzens
Sound engineer - Ralph Couzens
Assistant engineer - Michael Common

Registered charity number: 258224

The Marriage of Figaro

© Peter Moores Foundation 2004