The concept of this eagerly-awaited recording is based on the fact that Mozart’s first opera, Apollo et Hyacinthus (written when he was eleven) begins with ‘A’ and his last, Die Zauberflöte, with ‘Z’. Taking this happy coincidence as its starting point, the disc presents a chronological tour through Mozart’s operatic canon, featuring a highlight from fifteen of his operas.

The repertoire ranges from the exquisite duet ‘Natus cadit’ from Apollo et Hyacinthus and a staggeringly virtuosic duet from Mitridate, re di Ponto to more famous highlights such as Don Giovanni’s Serenade and Figaro’s ‘Se vuol ballare’, and includes numerous unfamiliar treasures which deserve more recognition. By presenting the works chronologically, listeners are able to chart the progression from Mozart’s dazzlingly prodigious childhood to the unsurpassed masterpieces of his maturity. The programme maintains a careful balance between the familiar and the unfamiliar, between the comic and the serious and between solo arias and ensembles (including a quartet and three quintets).

The Classical Opera Company is emerging as one of the United Kingdom’s most exciting young musical organisations and has established an outstanding reputation for stimulating, imaginative and high-quality live performances. The CD features a superb line-up of eleven international singers accompanied by the Classical Opera Company’s dynamic period-instrument orchestra.