Shostakovich
Avie
No need to switch on the central heating: just get Rolando Villazón singing, and you’re hit on the head with warmth. The operatic panache of these madrigals and songs, Combattimento di Tancredi e Clorinda included, is very enjoyable. I loved Patrizia Ciofi’s swooning way with Ohimè ch’io cado. Topi Lehtipuu’s tenor is only a fraction more buttoned than Villazón’s, and Haïm’s musicians never slouch. Perfect for lovers of gusto.
GEOFF BROWN