Composers: Mozart
Compositions: Die Zauberflöte
Performers: Chamber Orchestra of Europe/Yannick Nézet-Séguin
Catalogue Number: DG 4836400 (2CD)

Seven years and six recordings later, and Yannick Nézet-Séguin’s project to record all of Mozart’s mature operas for Deutsche Grammophon is approaching its end. With the release of this new Die Zauberflöte only Idomeneo remains to complete a set which has been consistent in its inconsistencies. The combination of Nézet-Séguin himself, the Chamber Orchestra of Europe and a starry roster of soloists has promised much across the series, but each opera has proved less than the sum of its expensive parts.