I once asked a conductor friend who his favorite maestro was. Without hesitation, he answered Claudio Abbado. The response surprised me—not because I didn't hold Abbado in high esteem, but because I wouldn't have immediately singled him out among history's many legendary conductors. My friend's reasoning was compelling: no other conductor mastered such a vast array of styles, from modern music to bel canto, Wagner, and everything in between. This recording of Oedipus Rex reinforces his assessment. Abbado brings tremendous vitality to Stravinsky's score, staying true to its unique style while adding a touch of Italianate pathos. The title role is notoriously difficult for tenors to shine in, but Lajos Kozma rises to the challenge, maintaining the lyricism of his voice even in the stratospheric reaches of the part. As Jocasta, Tatiana Troyanos draws on her Greek heritage to deliver a performance of commanding presence, giving the role a near-monumental quality.