Mozart condensed

David Parry interprets Mozart's Idomeneo, leading The Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North plus a variety of soloists, including Bruce Ford and Diana Montague

Composer: Mozart
Repertoire: Idomeneo
Artists: Ford (tenor), Montague (mezzo-soprano), Orchestra and Chorus of Opera North/David Parry
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Opera
Label: Chandos CHAN 3103(2)

David Parry’s version of Idomeneo (sung in English) drops Arbace’s arias, Idamante’s aria in Act 2 and the ballet at the end. These are sensible cuts, turning Mozart’s unwieldy score into a taut, dramatic experience. Susan Patterson is not quite forceful enough as Electra, but Diana Montague is excellent as the unfortunate Idamante and Bruce Ford does a fine job in the title role. And – what a bonus – Nicolai Gedda has a cameo as the High Priest.