1.   As Otello, the tenor, David Rendall, who is moving into weightier dramatic repertory, brought a clarion voice and tormented volatility to his portrayal.

2.   During the years Birgit Nilsson reigned in the German dramatic repertory, Joan Sutherland presided similarly over the bel canto coloratura roles.

3.   For all her acclaim in the German dramatic repertory, Ms. Nilsson never let herself get trapped by it.

4.   Ms. Castle is finally easing into the dramatic repertory her coaches have long predicted for her.

5.   Waltraud Meier, who began her career as a mezzo-soprano, long ago ventured into the Wagnerian dramatic soprano repertory.