This performance of Pelléas et Mélisande mesmerizes with a cast that knows how to weave mystery into Debussy's mystical soundscape while also revealing the opera's fundamental roots in 19th-century Romanticism.

Louis Quilico is the standout as Golaud, employing his ardent baritone to great effect and delivering the French with nuance and acuity. Patricia Brooks, as Mélisande, brings her signature beauty of tone to the role, though one wishes the part afforded her more opportunities to display the full glory of her voice.

Julius Rudel demonstrates once again that he was a master of virtually every operatic style.