Competition was fierce but independent labels swept the board.

Wagner’s origins explored by your friendly neighbourhood baritenor.

Christophe Rousset explains how a 21-year-old Parisian girl rose and fell.

Berlioz’s employer’s daughter turns out to be a first-rate composer.

A Frenchwoman’s resurrected Faust is Recording of the Month alongside an opera-fest that includes Kaufmann’s Parsifal. Smetana, Stravinsky, Debussy and Rózsa also feature.

A supreme Baroque stylist breathes new life into "The King's Opera".

Spontini’s greatest hit gets the revelatory back-to-basics treatment.

Osmo Vänskä’s Mahler cycle continues with a sublime Ninth, quirky programs from Zubin Kanga and Anna Prohaska, and a Rota rarity.

Rousset conjures graceful, jubilant and lively performances full of spark and subtlety. 

Rolls Royce Lully from Rousset and his sprightly band out of Versailles.

Lully’s swansong is irresistible in Rousset’s boisterous account.

Clive Paget talks to singer and conductor about the life of a 19th-century 'everywoman' and the challenge of matching her talents.