Lilli Lehmann only made her first recording at the age of 58 after having sung professionally for 41 years, including in the first Bayreuth festival. She was also a “fanatic vegetarian” and anti-vivisectionist who would only sign autographs for women who promised not to wear feathers in their hats. The technique displayed here still evokes awe.

Tomorrow, the Talk of the Town moves on from Mozart to the operas cher public would like to see the Met revive next season