The Glyndebourne Billy Budd has generally received fine reviews, but I think it by far a performance that tops the lot, and it receives a production that fits. Christoph Pohl was a singer new to me, but his recording of songs by Pizzetti, Rihm, Liszt, and Mahler makes a surprisingly coherent program. He has an inviting voice and artistry to match, and is well-seconded by Tobias Krampen. Daniel Barenboim is perhaps not one immediately to be associated with Bach, but his is a most satisfying performance of the Goldberg s, regardless of instrument, and it easily appears here. Diego Ares has come up with one of the most attractive recordings of Scarlatti sonatas I have heard in quite a while, and his 2009 instrument, by Joel Katzman, suits the music perfectly. [NB: The contents listing on ArkivMusic is not the same as on the CD.] © 2012 Fanfare