Gramophone This recording is '... born of a strong belief in the virtues of the music, meticulous preparation, direct theatrical experience and solid professionalism...'

The Cast AGORANTE - Bruce Ford ZORAIDE - Nelly Miricioiu RICCIARDO - William Matteuzzi IRCANO - Alastair Miles ZOMIRA - Della Jones ERNESTO - Paul Nilon FATIMA - Carol Smith ELMIRA - Alice Coote (PMF Scholar) ZAMORRE - Toby Spence (PMF Scholar) Academy of St Martin in the Fields CONDUCTOR - David Parry

BBC Music Magazine 'Really remarkable singing!' Opera Quarterly 'American tenor Bruce Ford consistently justifies his formidable international reputation in a portrayal that brought his major career breakthrough when he sang this work in Pesaro in 1990. His opening scena is my nomination as the most magnificent recorded display of vocal prowess by a tenor in a bel canto opera in at least twenty years...'