Massenet: Werther

If there is a single word to describe the singing of mezzo-soprano Frederica von Stade, it is "luminous," and she shines with clear radiance in this classic recording, bringing rare depths of emotion to the role of Charlotte. If José Carreras is not her dramatic equal, he sings well, sounding believable as an ardent suitor so smitten that he kills himself when he believes that all hope is lost. Isobel Buchanan has a bright and youthful voice that makes Sophie sound sweet and young, avoiding the pitfalls of twitishness into which some interpreters of the role drop, while Thomas Allen makes Albert far more than the cipher that he so often becomes. Sir Colin Davis's sensitive conducting makes this the preferred set by a wide margin. --Sarah Bryan Miller