Elisabetta regina d'Inghilterra, marked Rossini's first venture into the San Carlo Theatre in Naples, the most glamorous theatre of that time. The famous impresario Domenico Barbaja, had carefully prepared the launching of the rwenty-three year old composer -with sumptuous scenery, designed by a celebrated archirect, Antonio Niccolini, and engaging a firsr-rate cast. Foremost was Isabella Colbran, who later became Rossini's wife; and tenors — Andrea Nozzari and Manuel Garcia.

As a solo artist, Ian Gillan had his share of fine moments in the studio, but it was on-stage where he was at his best – a fact underscored by Live at the Budokan. First released as a two-LP set in 1982 and reissued on a single CD in the early '90s, Budokan boasts strong extended versions of Purple classics like "Smoke on the Water," "Woman from Tokyo," and the moody ballad "Child in Time," as well as some songs he'd recorded for his solo projects, including "Clear Air Turbulence," "Money Lender," and "Over the Hill." The CD's liner notes are atrocious (no personnel are listed), but the performances themselves – though not in a class with Purple's Made in Japan – are generally impressive. If you acquire only one of Gillan's post-Purple recordings, this would be the best choice.