BALFE: “The Bohemian Girl.” Nova Thomas, Patrick...

BALFE: “The Bohemian Girl.” Nova Thomas, Patrick Power, Jonathan Summers, John del Carlo; Radio Telefis Eireann Philharmonic Choir; National Symphony of Ireland, conducted by Richard Bonynge. Argo 433 324-2 (two CDs). On the evidence here, it’s hard to discern why audiences adored this 1843 work to the point where it became the most popular opera in 19th-Century England. Alfred Bunn’s libretto--all about abducted, high-born babies and hearty Gypsies--courted the kind of satire that W. S. Gilbert was happy to supply a few decades later. And the Irish composer’s tuneful melodies (only “I dreamt I dwelt in marble halls” is known today) and ensembles remain innocent of psychological penetration. Bonynge, however, presides over this faded Victorian artifact with the attention conductors usually lavish on masterpieces. This first commercial recording introduces a scrupulously prepared edition, with a cast of actors substituting for the singers in dialogue passages. Tenor Power supplies the most mellifluous vocalism. Audible gear shifts mar American soprano Thomas’ pleasing contribution.