"Kleopatra is not as fluent, dramatically bold or musically groundbreaking as Turandot, to which it has been compared. But it churns through its Wagnerian arioso style with theatrical richness, boasts an attractive 'big tune' that could have come from Korngold and is imaginatively orchestrated ... Vigilius can occasionally sound throaty but has presence and draws his character well in spite of the text. Dreisig's laser-like focus can deliver pin-sharp top notes (though doesn't always) and she offers some beautiful, sensitive singing ... Kleopatra may not have quite the impact it enjoyed in the theatre but its first recording must be welcomed with open arms"