"Recording of the month: Director Robert Carsen reverses the order in this production for Dutch National Opera, but it isn't a mere whim. It's a key part of his vision for this pairing of works because one flows from the other ... You can look elsewhere for your Zeffirellish naturalism, but if you want theatrical realism then this is the performance to go for. I found this the most dramatically powerful, completely convincing performance of either opera I've seen in a very long time. That's principally due to the powerfully engaging performances that Carsen draws from his singers, and I include the chorus in that, too, who are given a lot to do but rise to it with aplomb ... The principals also throw themselves into their roles with dramatic conviction, so that Carsen's exploration of verisimilitude works really well ... To all but the most paid-up traditionalists, this is warmly recommended"