Our March Recording of the Month is an unearthed pastoral by Spanish composer José de Nebra. Venus y Adonis is a lively take on a famous myth, brought to life by Alberto Miguélez Rouco and his Baroque orchestra Los Elementos (Aparté AP373).

Nebra, who blended Spanish musical traditions with elements of Italian Baroque, was prolific and popular in his day, making him a good candidate for revival (and yes, you even get castanets). “The opera is a nice entry point for listeners unfamiliar with the Spanish Baroque, incorporating elements of zarzuela as well as fandango and zarambeque,” writes Justine Nguyen. “Rouco draws a vibrant performance from Los Elementos, who are punchy and incisive but also precise and delicate when required.”

The cast, as was traditional in 18th-century Spain, is comprised entirely of women. “As Venus, soprano Paola Valentina Molinari is charismatic and vocally glamorous, well suited to the scheming goddess who unwittingly engineers her own tragedy,” writes Nguyen, who also enjoys Natalie Pérez’s touchingly sincere and brash Adonis. “As the jealous Mars, soprano Jone Martínez is compelling, her interpretation one of thoughtful...