The magical world of Offenbach

A great cast in exuberant form led by British tenor Toby Spence deliver a magical performance of Offenbach's comedy opera

Composer: Offenbach
Repertoire: Vert-Vert
Artists: Soloists, Geoffrey Mitchell Choir, Philharmonia Orchestra/David Parry
Rating:  4.5/5
Genre: Opera
Label: Rara ORC 41

No, I hadn’t heard of it either. Vert-Vert is lateish Offenbach and was first performed at the Opéra-Comique in Paris in 1869. The story concerns a young innocent who is persuaded by the girls of a convent to take on the role and name of their much-loved – sorry – ex-parrot as an object of affection. Via the attractions of a singer, he finds true love with one of the convent girls. It’s as batty as it sounds, but magical as well as funny – the beautiful ensemble near the end recalling the trio in Rossini’s Le comte Ory.