Great Opera Recordings. Massenet's Manon. Germaine Feraldy, Louis Guenot, Joseph Rogatchewsky, Georges Villier. The Chorus and Orchestra of the Opera-Comique, Paris, conducted by Elie Cohen.

Naxos Historical 8.110203-04

YOU may have guessed that I am very fond of opera. I'm not an expert, but I love the theatricality and the emotion.

This recording of Manon was made in 1928-29 and has that delicate magic that is heard on old pressings.

Amazingly, when first recorded by French Columbia it took 36 sides to produce the set. Now, it is available on two CDs and it hasn't lost a thing in the re-issue.

Ward Marston, noted for his tender loving care of old recordings, of which he personally has a vast collection, is responsible for this one, and he hasn't missed a trick.

It has been reproduced with sympathy and care.

The sweet voice of Germaine Feraldy, a favourite at the Opera-Comique has that old-world charm that highlights the difference between these 20s recordings and the technological wizardry of today.

The tenors Joseph Rogatchewsky and Georges Villier, both sing with verve and style. The former, a Russian, enunciates with precision.

This French style of lightness and grace is symbolic of the Opera-Comique and is virtually unheard of today.

However, with the magic of modern technology it will never truly be lost.

SATURDAY, MAY 10: Top Brass meets Top Choir... The Flowers Band and Cotswold Male Voice Choir at Pershore Abbey in aid of The Stroke Association. Tickets available from Music 47, Pershore; A La Carte, Pershore, or telephone 01386 555474.

THURSDAY, MAY 15: Malvern Singers present Maytime Serenade at Christ Church, Avenue Road, Malvern. For further information phone Mrs Parry 01684 575583.

FRIDAY, MAY 16: The Worcester Jazz Orchestra at Worcester Rugby Club. Telephone Worcester Tourist Centre for ticket information 01905 726311.