“…This release of L’Africaine is the best recording I know… I certainly enjoyed reviewing the set. It is a praiseworthy live recording that will undoubtedly assist Meyerbeer’s rehabilitation.”

“..  I find this an excellent set all around. It is doubtful that there will be anything that comes along to improve on the experience that Naxos and Frankfurt have provided. Meyerbeer it seems is going through a mini resurgence at the present. Any chance to reassess his work is worth the time involved.”

Performance ****      Recording *****

“… The Chorus, of whom so much is asked in Meyerbeer, are magnificent throughout … All credit too to conductor Antonello Manacorda for steering so straight a course through all five acts.”

“… American tenor Michael Spyres sings the title role. His characterizing of Vasco is excellent, and he shines with secure singing, a great breathing technique, and a perfect command of the French language. His singing is elegant, with present depth and magnificent high notes. No less impressive are the two female leads, Claudia Mahnke as Sélika and Kirsten MacKinnon as Inès… The rest of the cast is solid and all singers do justice to their roles…” ***