Eugene Onegin (2 CD)

After you have heard Hvorostovsky or Thomas Allen, Bernhard Weikl may sound a bit stiff and heavy in the role of the disillusioned, bored young Onegin, who rejects Tatiana's impulsive offer of love and lives to regret it. But Teresa Kubiak's warm, expressive voice and her commanding presence in the last act make the regret more poignant and understandable. Supporting roles are very well filled, and Georg Solti conducts with his usual energy. --Joe McLellan