The Odense Symphony Orchestra is on excellent form and conductor Joachim Gustafsson allows Enna’s complex score to breathe but never sag. The cast is excellent, with standout performances from Danish soprano Elsebeth Dreisig as the eponymous queen and Ukrainian soprano Ruslana Koval, who brings diamond-like clarity of tone to the role of Charmion.

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.

Dreisig’s bright lyric soprano does little wrong, investing Kleopatra’s music with dangerously cute intelligence, but Ruslana Koval’s grainier, warm and conflicted Charmion makes more impact, not least in the last rites over her beloved’s corpse...the Odense Symphony Orchestra matches the excellent Danish National Opera Chorus— who have plenty to do—for full-bodied elan.