EMI CDCC 49284 (2 CDs)
Elvire June Anderson
Alphonse John Aler
Masaniello Alfredo Kraus
Pietro Jean-Philippe Lafont

Orchestre Philharmonique de Monte Carlo, Thomas Fulton cond.

Together with Fra Diavolo, this is the best known of Auber's many operas. There actually are several other recordings, all the others having been available only on LP. They are not listed at this time because they are even harder to obtain than the Krauss, and in my opinion, both less well sung and less complete.

To me, the highlights of the opera are Elvire's two arias, the barcarolles, especially Masaniello's in Act II and Pietro's in Act IV,, the patriotic duet in Act II, and Masaniello's slumber song.

There also were many wonderful recordings from this opera in the 78 rpm era--most notably by Jadlowker, Slezak, Hempel, and von Pataky.. Those that are available on CD will be added to this discography shortly.

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