This is a great work, and this recording does it justice. Gluck is not one of my favorites; all of his "reforms" seem to get in the way of what I like in early(ish) opera--the fiorature, huge ensembles, lengthy, melismatic diversions-- and often, I find his operas too "classical" and dry. Perhaps all they need is a great performance, as this one is, to come to life. Marc Minkowski takes an aggressive approach to the music and drama: The plot may come from Classical Antiquity, but the characters' emotions are fresh and fierce. His band is superb, from the pointed delivery of the reeds to that thwacking of the timpani and the strings' somewhat soft but precise attacks. And the horns can drive you crazy! Armide is a character who doesn't gracefully accept not getting her way, and her angry music is wonderfully performed by Michelle Delunsch, as are her sweeter, more cajoling moments. Charles Workman sings the role of Renaud with great tonal beauty and heroic utterance (if not heroic vocal weight). He and Delunsch are lovely in their Act Five duet. Laurent Naouri sounds somewhat insecure as Hidraot, but Ewa Podles, with only 10 minutes of music as the embodiment of Hatred, is spectacular. The remainder of the cast is very fine, and Archiv's engineers, despite the fact that this was taped live, have presented us with a clear soundstage filled with immediacy. This is a gem. [12/31/1999]

--Robert Levine