Yes, I know this is not the greatest mezzo voice in the world, but I grew up with this delicious fizzy rendering of Offenbach’s La Périchole, conducted by Igor Markevitch no less (Diaghilev’s last crush – and a composer of note before he was celebrated as a conductor) with the inimitable operetta sensation Suzanne Lafaye living the rôle.

My favorite song is in the finale to the 2nd act ‘Que les hommes sont bêtes’ (starts at 2’38”) – and she captures perfectly the rueful exasperation with her slow-to-take-on boyfriend – yes I know the trill is more like a gargle, but the verbal pinpointing and sense of devilish glee in this music put her, in my mind, ahead of all the much more notable voices that have taken on this masterpiece. For me – sheer fun and joy.