Gluck recordings
Until today, «Telemaco» has never been recorded in its entirety, though a few individual arias appear on the solo albums of various singers. Worth noting is the magnificent recording by German countertenor Jochen Kowalski (Capriccio 10416), which contains two arias from the opera. Another noteworthy album for listeners interested in Gluck’s Italian opera seria is «Gluck Italian Arias,» with Cecilia Bartoli (Decca 467248-2), while among the numerous recordings of «Orfeo et Euridice,» the most noteworthy are those featuring Rene Jacobs (Harmonia Mundi 901742.43) and Polish contralto Eva Podles (Arts 47536-2). Finally, a fine example of Gluck’s «French» compositions is «Iphigenie en Tauride» in the recording of its 1957 performance at Milan’s La Scala (EMI 724356545120); despite some technical problems in the sound and a stylistically uninformed interpretation, this recording features Maria Callas, unprecedented in the lead role.
