Natalie Dessay.(Sound Recording Review)

Arias by Massenet, Thomas, Boieldieu, Offenbach, Rossini, Donizetti, Gounod. Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse, Plasson. Texts and translations. Virgin Classics 45610

Every once in a while, a singer comes along whose skills are so refined that she can make all her points musically and dramatically, instead of passing off as choices the mere dodging of technical problems. Natalie Dessay is such an artist, with a flawless technique and a voice as sweet and rich as a raspberry tart.

On a new recital album of nineteenth-century French opera arias with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse led by Michel Plasson, Dessay's singing in her native tongue is a pleasure to hear. If the soprano sounds a bit disinterested in the leaps, trills and dance-rhythms of "Je suis Titania" or "Je veux vivre" in order to get at the meatier stuff, we can forgive her, for even Philine and Juliette turn out to be vocally stunning young ladies. Dessay's recorded sound may not have the glittery edge of other coloratura sopranos, but there is something sunny and warm about her vocal concentration and musical poise ...