Michael Tanner’s five least objectionable opera performances of 2014

1. Khovanskygate

A typically brilliant and wayward production by the Birmingham Opera Company of this unfollowable opera, with stupendous choral singing by local inhabitants.

2. Dialogues des Carmélites

The Royal Opera did Poulenc’s gamey masterpiece proud, in a direct and intense account, with ideal all-round casting.

3. Götterdämmerung

Opera North, under the inspiring leadership and baton of Richard Farnes, brought the greatest enterprise that a company can undertake to a stupendous close, and in two years’ time will be performing the entire Ring cycle.

4. Macbetto

The live relays from the New York Met. continue to be the most reliable operatic occasions, and Verdi’s opera which led off the current season verged on the sensational, both the leading roles being taken with thrilling power.

5. Tristan und Isolde

At last an uncut Tristan at the Royal Opera with both the main singers up to their roles, and in the case of Nina Stemme an Isolde such as one only hears once every half-century.