Britten : The Turn of the Screw.

   in Opera Now (May, 2014)
Recorded live from concert performances at the Barbican in 2013, this is a strong release. There are two main glories to the performance: the first is Richard Farnes’s conducting of the LSO, which is taut and controlled but evolves at a natural pace. The orchestra responds with some exquisite playing and the fifteen Variations really help ratchet up the tension. The second is Sally Matthews’ Governess; this is a voice with infinite colours and the soprano knows how to maximise her gift. She conveys nervous excitement en route to meet the children in Bly, and then delineates the increasing sense of danger and menace until the final tragedy – and all …