April’s Limelight Recording of the Month is the third volume in Opera Rara’s ongoing survey of Donizetti’s songs. The brainchild of repertoire guru Roger Parker, the projected eight discs will present over 200 songs, many of them appearing on record for the very first time.

Having given a warm welcome to volumes one and two, it was clear that this was going to be an outstanding series, but this program of French chansons with ‘baritenor’ Michael Spyres is very special indeed.

Clive Paget caught up with Opera Rara AD Carlo Rizzi and Spyres himself to find out more and ponder why it is these gems are still so little known.

Carlo, can you tell us what you find so distinctive about Donizetti and what made you take on a project of this size?

CR: Well, I’m not such an expert that I can hear something and say this is Donizetti exactly, but for me, the important thing is the almost never-ending melodic creation. This was what got me hooked. It happened almost by chance. Roger Parker sent the music, and I thought, “OK, let’s see,” because he sent me like 200 songs. I thought, “OK, after 10 we’ll get bored.” But actually,...