Scottish Chamber Orchestra - Mozart: Opera Arias & Overtures - AllMusic

This 2015 audiophile release on Linn Records features soprano Elizabeth Watts in celebrated arias from the operas of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, along with overtures from the same operas, performed by Christian Baldini and the Scottish Chamber Orchestra. For newcomers to Mozart, this program will be a delightful introduction, not only because the overtures will be recognizable in many cases, but the arias will give these listeners a generous sampling of the vocal styles found in each work. Aficionados of the operas will find this hybrid SACD appealing for the opportunity to hear Watts, who is better known for her recordings of Romantic lieder. Her bright and flexible voice is wonderful in Mozart, and the clarity of her diction makes her singing easy to follow, though the booklet provides the texts with translations. The orchestra plays modern instruments, though it often sounds like a period ensemble, due to the clean string playing and the distinctive tone colors of the woodwinds and brass. This disc invites repeated listening and is highly recommended.