Beethoven Fidelio (2000)

When Act 2 of Fidelio is being poured out in the most glorious tones imaginable from Mattila Heppner and Pape who can possibly complain Who would honestly want to replace any of them Who can fail to be overwhelmed with gratitude to own this disc If I continue to count our blessings I might mention the splendid Robert Lloyd drawing us to a thrilling finale as Don Fernando and Falk Struckmann a convincingly evil Pizarro So it is certainly not complaining but fulfilling a reviewers obligation to tell all when I admit that Jennifer WelchBabidge is little more than adequate as Marzelline One might wish for a purer vocal line in this role like a Bonney or an Isokoski