Let’s get one thing out of the way. The engineering on this anticipated release does no justice whatsoever to the size, depth or colour of rising star Anita Rachvelishvili’s very fine instrument. A throwback to the past, it’s one of those rich, fruity mezzos with chest for days, but unlike so many of those golden age singers, it’s wielded with considerable taste and control. Although it’s not the most exciting offering in terms of repertoire, with most of the selections mezzo bread and butter, Rachvelishvili’s stylish singing and vivid characterisations more than make up for the fatigue of hearing the Habañera for the thousandth time.

Take Charlotte’s Letter Aria for instance, and listen to how distinctly she...