The New Moon

Product Description Songs Include: Opening, Marianne, The Girl on the Prow, Gorgeous Alexander, Interrupted Trio, Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise, Stouthearted Men, One Kiss, The Trial, Finaletto, Wanting You, Finale, Act One, Overture, Intermezzo, Funny Little Sailor Men, Lover, Come Back to Me, Reprise: Stouthearted Men, Try Her Out at Dances, Reprise: Softly, As in a Morning Sunrise/Never for You, Reprise: Lover, Come Back to Me, Finale Ultimo. Amazon.com If you want an introduction to Broadway-style operetta, this recording of the 2003 Encores! production of The New Moon is an excellent place to start; if you're already a fan, the CD is an essential purchase. Set in late-18th-century New Orleans, the action-packed plot features revolutionaries and their adversaries, star-crossed lovers and of course disputes based on false assumptions. But the show, originally a hit in 1928, is all about the loveliest tunes from Sigmund Romberg, king of Viennese-syle operetta. As the romantic leads (i.e., the Jeanette McDonald/Nelson Eddy roles), versatile soprano Christiane Noll and classically trained baritone Rodney Gilfry are perfectly paired. (Noll's "Lover, Come Back to Me" is particularly vibrant.) Also of note are spectacular contributions from the booming chorus. This album is the first complete recording of The New Moon; barring a surprise operetta revival, it could also be the last for a long, long time. Good thing it's so scrumptious. --Elisabeth Vincentelli