Editorial Reviews

EMI's The Most Famous Opera Duets is a decent collection of excerpts that delivers on enough of its promise to be forgiven its superlative title. A few notable blockbusters are missing, like "O soave fanciulla" from "La bohème" and the evening prayer from "Hansel and Gretel," but overall the collection covers its territory well -- from the famous "Flower Duet" from "Lakmé" to "Sull'aria" from "The Marriage of Figaro." The recordings themselves are culled from EMI's catalog of complete operas, and so the quality is consistently good, though only a few of the excerpts here could be considered the best examples of their kind (Mady Mesplé's "Lakmé" headlines that group). Perhaps by mistake, or perhaps not, Elisabeth Schwarzkopf receives top billing on the front cover's list of singers even though she doesn't appear anywhere on the album. And, even though these sorts of collections are more for pleasure listening than study, the complete absence of texts and translations means that if listeners do get curious about the words they'll be out of luck. The entire package could have used more love and attention, but it still makes for good listening. Mission accomplished, but without any flair. Allen Schrott, All Music Guide

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