Opera

Gershwin

Porgy and Bess

Eric Owens, Angel Blue, Frederick Ballentine, Alfred Walker, Latonia Moore, Golda Schultz, Ryan Speedo Green, Denyce Graves; Metropolitan Opera Chorus & Orchestra/David Robertson

Met Opera 1000420118

163:00 mins (3 discs)

Gershwin’s only full-length opera is one of the masterpieces of the 20th century and, given the plethora of exceptional black singers available these days, it is rightfully gaining an ever more central position in the repertoire. This is a live recording, taped over two performances at the

New York Met in autumn 2019; though neither lavish nor offering a particularly wide range, the sound is sharply defined.

There’s some audience applause at curtain rise and occasionally following individual arias, but the spontaneity of a live event is a clear plus: the chorus supplies precision and refulgent tone, while the orchestral playing is clean and idiomatic, with conductor David Robertson shaping an interpretation that is well-paced and offers both good balance and plenty of fine detail. There are quite a few cuts, however.

As to the large cast, there can be no complaints about the quality of the voices. As Clara, Golda Schultz’s lavish soprano and good diction help her launch the opera with a poised ‘Summertime’. Eric Owens’s grand and enriched baritone helps him convey Porgy’s indomitable spirit in fully three-dimensional