The Lady of the Lake, based on the narrative poem by Sir Walter Scott, has been one of the most successful of Rossini’s “serious” operas to be revived in recent years. Overflowing with thrilling melodies and exciting ensembles, it gets a stellar performance here with Caballé in her prime in 1970. “Needless to say, Montserrat Caballé is ideal in the title role. Surely one of the 20th century’s finest and most beloved singers, her dark-colored, substantial soprano, with equal, impressive power at all registers including the allimportant middle, is entirely in its element … This opera is very special … bask in the sheer allure of the melodies and welcome the start of the Romantic era in opera.” — Robert Levine