Les Nuits d'été

Hector Berlioz

Régine Crespin / Ernest Ansermet / L'Orchestre de la Suisse Romande

1963

Top choice. A classic, sublime, heart-melting, and tender version. Crespin's voice has an almost 'darkness to it... haunting quality' that goes perfectly with this work.

Kiri Te Kanawa / Daniel Barenboim / Orchestre de Paris

1982

A newer digital version with more vibrancy. Te Kanawa has a beautiful, secure sound, offering a flowing, passionate, and nuanced interpretation.

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson / Nicholas McGegan / Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra

early 1990s Live recording.

A gorgeous, emotive live recording. Hunt Lieberson sings with a depth of sound that is 'oozing with passion, but also controlled'.