Deutsche Grammophon follows-up a number of highly successful Puccini projects with Alberto Veronesi with this all-new release of Mascagni s charming, if little-known, opera L amico Fritz. Featuring a stunning love duet ( Suzel, buon dì The Cherry Duet) and many memorable melodies, this is the composer s second most famous work following the immensely popular Cavalleria Rusticana. Few recordings of the opera exist; therefore, any new addition to the catalog is most welcome. For this recording, Deutsche Grammophon has brought together Roberto Alagna and Angela Gheorghiu a pair famous for their on and off stage partnership. The recording was made in 2008 from wildly acclaimed live performances at Berlin s Deutsche Oper, eliciting superlatives from the critics: The soloists gave of their phenomenal best and the orchestra under Veronesi played sensationally...I can t recall the last time I heard such enthusiastic (and prolonged) applause at the Deutsche Oper. klassik.com Many more recordings from Veronesi can be expected throughout 2010 featuring the works of Leoncavallo, Giordano and others.