CLASSICAL A.I.D.S. GALA. Orchestre National de France conducted by Lorin Maazel. Philips 422 379 (compact disc).

The roster for this April 1988 concert, a benefit for the United Nations refugee program, is suitably starry. The recording includes contributions from Placido Domingo, Barbara Hendricks, Shirley Verrett, Larry Adler, James Galway, Alexis Weissenberg and Julian Lloyd Webber. Their hearts were doubtless in the right place; but for the home listener, it all sounds like another average, high-powered variety show, with luminaries trotting out kitschy specialty acts. Outstanding elements: Hendricks’ ravishing traversal of Puccini’s “Senza mama” and Domingo’s “Quando le sere.” Charitable music lovers will spare themselves and send a check.