What the French expected from opera changed in 1831 with the success of Meyerbeer’s Robert le Diable. Lengthy works with abundant scenic spectacle became practically obligatory, and at least one ballet had to be included, in order to give the gentlemen of the influential Jockey Club an opportunity to see their favourites from the corps de ballet in action. Verdi might have disagreed with the concept and grumbled over it, but even he wanted to succeed in Paris and enjoy international fame, so he played by the rules and gave the Parisians what they wanted.

In bringing together rare opera-ballets, this anthology also celebrates the anniversaries of two leading conductors – Lorin Maazel and Richard Bonynge, both celebrating their 80th birthdays this year. The Otello and I Lombardi excerpts both represent first releases on CD, as does Bonynge’s Leoni – originally coupled on the LP with the same composer’s L’Oracolo.