Although Monteverdi is early baroque, we can feel that we are just about to leave the medieval music period, and witnessing the birth of new forms of expression. The Orfeo is one of the first operas. Although not the very first, but the one that had the greatest impact on musicians to come, and was played countless times during the past 500 years, and is definitively the piece that has reached the greatest number of composers.
Harnoncourt, two versions:
6.35591EK Teldec Germany. Narrower soundstage,and much brighter than the following copy:
SKH21/1-3 Das Alte Werk, Telefunken, Royal Sound Stereo. Truly amazing sound! Breathtaking, spectacular. Relaxed and alive. The Teldec is but a shadow in comparison.
EMI Angel Digital DMM DSBX3964. Brighter and more fatiguing than the Teles. Telefunken has the best sound of all.