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Title: Great music, singing overcome messed up Shakespeare
Review: What an exceptional cast for this recording! Hampson, Ramey and Graves are all in fine form. I know this opera is called "Hamlet," but since Ambroise Thomas changed the tragic ending to a happy one, he might has well have changed the title to "Ophelia." For me, it is Anderson's performance in that role that is the true standout. Her Act IV "mad scene" is haunting. She floats notes so pure and yet conveys heartwrenching emotion at the same time. Since this opera is unlikely to ever enter standard repertory, you shouldn't pass up the opportunity to hear this superlative recorded performance.
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