Canter Bridge

Hector Berlioz missed the memo on the KISS Rule (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

It’s a good thing, that. Even better is the presence of conductors like the supremely attentive John Nelson, who give themselves and their formidable talents to works that might otherwise languish in abandonment, too far off the beat track for markets and beancounters to pay atttention.

Gratefully, attentiveness and attention have been lavished upon this 19th-century opera, evident not least in the 173-page booklet that accompanies the nicely boxed three disks.

This is opera made to enjoy without interruption. Take it on a long car ride.

But by all means, take it. Some beautiful wild flowers grow well-hidden off the beaten track.