Academy of ancient music, Christopher Hogwood - Purcell: Dido and Aeneas (1994)

Christopher Hogwood has found himself a dream cast here, with even the smallest roles taken by big names. There are a couple of surprises along the way, such as the underage First Sailor (sung by a slightly quavery treble) and the cross-dressing Sorceress, here taken by a bass. Still David Thomas cackles and machinates with the best of them, so don't let that put you off. John Mark Ainsley makes an excellent Aeneas, the pure beauty of his voice making this intrinsically weak character more likeable than usual and Catherine Bott is a wonderful Dido (her voice readily distinguishable from Emma Kirkby's crystalline Belinda--sometimes a problem on record): believably youthful, intensely moving in her "Lament", far removed from the vibrato-laden matrons to be found on some versions. In addition, the orchestra are excellent, obviously relishing their instrumental dances, and there are some exuberant weather effects which add greatly to the sense of atmosphere. A real all-round achievement. -- Harriet Smith