OPERA ARIAS by Verdi, Rossini, Donizetti, Berlioz, Meyerbeer; Samuel Ramey, bass; Munich Radio Orchestra, Jacques Delacote conducting. EMI 7 49582 2 (compact disc).

Ramey ventures unhackneyed repertory including the “Don Carlos” and “Vepres siciliennes” arias in the original French, relatively unfamiliar arias from “Robert le Diable” and “Comte Ory,” and “La calunnia” in its original key. His basso is rich and even from top to bottom. Lacking, however, is vocal personality or musical imagination. There is little attempt at characterization; Fiesco sounds much the same as Zaccaria. Mephisto’s aria from Berlioz’ “Damnation” lacks insinuating, dark humor. The plodding accompaniments of Delacote are no help.