Even four centuries after its first performance, Monteverdi"s L"Orfeo reigns as one of the most enduringly popular of all operatic works and remains solidly in today"s repertoire. Sergio Vartolo"s historically-informed interpretation enthralls listeners by revealing the full genius of what we today consider the first "real" opera. Superb performances from singers like Sara Mingardo elevate this recording to the level of essential listening.