Editorial Reviews

Nothing says romance like a tune by Puccini. His operas are among the most enduringly popular in the repertory, and many of the arias are even more familiar out of context, cropping up in movies, commercials, and anywhere else a passionate melody is needed. The Ultimate Puccini Collection sums up a half-century of recordings on the Decca label. Alongside the essential favorites -- Luciano Pavarotti singing "Nessun Dorma!" and Placido Domingo in "E Lucevan le Stelle," for example -- the album includes many important performers of the past and some lesser-known gems from the composer's pen. Regine Crespin is magical in "Un Bel Dì" from Madama Butterfly, and Jussi Björling sings his heart out in an aria from Puccini's Californian opera, The Girl of the Golden West. Renata Tebaldi, Carlo Bergonzi, Leontyne Price, Kiri Te Kanawa, and Montserrat Caballé are among the other featured voices in arias and duets from Turandot, Tosca, La Bohème, Gianni Schicchi, and more. Newcomers to opera will appreciate the helpful liner notes, which set the scene for each selection, but anyone who wants to hear great voices in great music will enjoy this sumptuous overview of Puccini's lyrical art. Scott Paulin, Barnes & Noble

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