Translations can often distort the flavor of an opera, but in the case of Don Carlo, this German version somehow feels less incongruous. Perhaps this is due to the Gothic character of the score or to the opera's origins in Friedrich Schiller's play. Then again, it may simply be the result of the artistry of its two leads, James King and Claire Watson. King's dark tenor perfectly captures Don Carlo's broken optimism, while Watson infuses Elisabetta with purity of tone and ample vocal heft.

Gottlob Frick creates a multidimensional portrayal of Filippo II, combining imperious gravitas with a vulnerability that I have rarely heard from this singer.