Latest CD releases reviewed

ANGELA GHEORGHIU: PUCCINI
Angela Gheorghiu: Soprano; Orchestra sinfonica di milano giiuseppe Verdi. Conductor: Anton Coppola. EMI Classics 5 57955

Any new CD from Angela Gheorghiu is an event, and this release of Puccini arias is no exception. There is a great deal to admire here as her aristocratic and golden soprano glides over these soaring melodies with wonderful phrasing and intelligent musical insight. The programme chosen is comprehensive, ranging from Doretta's light hearted Chi il bel sogno di doretta (from La Rondine) to the fearsome In quest reggia (from Turandot), probably the most demanding of all arias in the Italian repertoire. Always thoughtful and musical, Gheorghiu is not helped by the rather lugubrious speeds chosen by the conductor. Also, she is stretched by some of the bigger arias, with occasional slight hardening of tone and fluttering vibrato. These issues apart, it's a lovely recital. www.emiclassics.com  Colman Morrissey