Marking the end of Mozart's early operas, Idomeneo is commonly regarded as the composer's greatest serious opera and his first operatic masterpiece, containing many allusions to the style of the French lyric opera thanks to its beautiful choruses and ballets. The work was largely neglected until the mid-20th century but is now part of the standard operatic repertoire. Richard Lewis takes the title role in this, one of the most highly regarded recordings of the work, singing 'with great beauty and sensitivity of tone, giving true pathos to the character of the unhappy king' (Gramophone), while Sena Jurinac has long been praised for her interpretations of Ilia's three arias, which are 'exquisitely sung, the high notes beautifully poised, the phrasing exemplary' (Gramophone). The Glyndebourne Festival Chorus and Orchestra are directed by celebrated Mozart interpreter, Sir John Pritchard. Other information: - Recorded in 1956, a classic performance of Idomeneo from Glyndebourne, conducted by Sir John Pritchard, featuring an excellent cast, with briliant Sena Jurinac and formidable Leopold Simoneau.