Soloists: Roberto Alagna, Angela Gheorghiu. Chor und Orchester der Deutschen Opera Berlin. Conductor: Alberto VeronesiDG 477 8358  * * * * *

Mascagni's second opera was written just after the success of Cavalleria Rusticana, and it couldn't be more different. L'Amico Fritzis a lyrical comedy with a gentle score in which overt passion is eschewed. In this recording of a live concert performance given at Berlin's Deutsche Oper in 2008, Angela Gheorghiu sings the music of Suzel with such a beauty of tone that it would melt the heart; it's difficult to imagine a more sensitive singing of the role. Roberto Alagna is more variable, with a roughness of tone in places, but he too has his moments of lyrical beauty. Overall, a fine performance well suited to the lyrical delicacy of this ephemeral work. See deutschegrammophon.com