Richard Hickox leads this first recording of the revised, two-act version of this opera since Britten"s own wonderful performance in 1967 (the Kent Nagano-led set on Erato with Thomas Hampson is of Britten"s first, four-act edition). Hickox"s tempi are a bit slower throughout than Britten"s. This fact, along with his cast"s superb diction, means that almost every word is discernible. He manages to bring out each character"s musical profile and keep the drama tight at the same time. His singers are first-rate. Simon Keenlyside now becomes the Billy for the ages. The voice is beautiful, his involvement complete, his outpourings of love and desperation sincere. Philip Langridge"s Vere is in a class with Peter Pears, but his voice is richer and more easily produced. In John Tomlinson"s portrayal of Claggart, there is more than just villainy; the sadism and unctuousness that are sometimes missed are apparent--and terrifying. Alan Opie and Matthew Best are stalwart and clear-headed as Redburn and Flint, respectively, and the remainder of the cast--children"s and adults" choruses included--is superlative. As usual, the LSO play brilliantly. This Billy Budd is the desert-island pick, whether in the two-act or four-act version. --Robert Levine