Editorial Review

The mysteriously monickered Read more

Reviews (25)

Amazing
There seems to be one consistency among all the bad reviews.
This CD is so [title of show]!
I saw [title of show] this past Wednesday in Union Square, and it was one of the best theatre experiences of my life. Sidesplittingly funny, self-referential and raunchy, yes, but also a bold and moving statement on and tribute to theatre and art, and the struggles one must go through in pursuit of artistic success in order to stay true to one's vision. The music and lyrics are clever and catchy, and some of the songs are absolutely beautiful. The cast (two of whom are the authors of the show) is top-notch, and the script is hilarious and, in the end, poignant. A truly wonderful piece of theatre, and a great cast album. The only caveat I would add is that, if you are not already a musical theatre fan, this show will completely go over your head.

[title of review]
I have listened to this CD twice now and will gladly put it away in the back of my CD cabinet.I found the performances to be fairly good, but the material was dreadful. The music was mediocore at best and the lyrics were uninspiring. I'm not against using foul language if there's a good reason for it, but in this show it didn't seem necessary or very meaningful to the plot or character development. Most of what they are trying to accomplish here has been done better in other shows, like Forbidden Broadway. I would take a pass on this one and spend your money on something else! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Show Tunes    6. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Ennio Morricone is well-known to moviegoers. His soundtracks for Read more

Reviews (34)

A Great way to introduce everyone to the Cello
We bought this CD to introduce our 8 year old son to great Cello music - he has been learning to play Cello for the last 2 years.
Beautifully composed, performed & recorded (Wonderful music - bad cuts)
If this CD contains only the music from (The Mission), (Good, Bad & Ugly) & (La Califfa), it worth more than its price. Some of Morricone's greatest works, a very sensitive play from Ma & a dreamy mode from 1st till last moment (and that's exactly why I mentioned the cuts in this CD).
Track 12 - Ecstacy of Gold !!
Ennio Morricone is a master of many styles.Yo-Yo Ma is a master of Ennio on the Cello.The combination is outstanding.Fire up L'Estasi Dell'Oro (Track 12) and it will transport you there.How does he do that?I don't have any idea but it surely moves me.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Artists    3. Classical Crossover    4. Film    5. Film Music    6. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Editorial Review

The original Broadway cast recording of Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (42)

Its Annie
If you havent heard "Annie" but the CD. Its worth it. I can't say its the best show out there, but its a classic and rightfully so. This soundtrack also comes with bonous tracks which are such a treat, so this is the version of annie to get. Also all the voices on this CD are great, not so in all versions. My Favorite song is "Something Was Missing."

Don't Buy This Cd!
This cd sucks! Nobody can sing! Andrea McCardle is a horrible annie. Reid Shelton is the worst Daddy Warbucks Ever. Bert Healy sucks too. I Hate This Cd. Please Don't buy this, I'ts Horrible! It's A Humiliation To The Musical Annie! I'm 16, and I Grew Up with Aileen Quinn as Annie. Alicia Morton is The Best Annie. If you want a good Annie Cd, Buy The Television soundtrack to Annie. Everybody on this cd Sucks!

Nice Score, Bad Recording
"Annie" has a nice score, with several memorable numbers.Unfortunately, this recording is only so-so and needs improvement.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Music Theater    4. Musical Theater    5. Musicals    6. Original Cast Recordings    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

Reviews (5)

Uniformly excellent
One of the most unique aspects of this disc is the inclusion of the G minor Violin Concerto, thought to be a reconstruction of an earlier work for oboe and harpsichord.
Rewarding and excellent value
This CD is a bargain, a wonderful collection of music at a very reasonable price for the quality.
good but a tad lacking somewhat.
The bach violin concertos have for me always been something ive always enjoyed listening to over and over. I suppose that is why such music is called classical music - it is timeless and still well loved after 1-2 hundred years after its 1st performance.Read more

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. Concerto    6. Concerto for Two String Instruments    7. Keyboard Concerto    8. Oboe Concerto    9. Violin Concerto   

Editorial Review

When was the last time you heard a musical with a truly hilarious book? Rachel Sheinkin has concocted such a thing for Read more

Features

• Soundtrack

Reviews (42)

great music
I love a good Broadway musical & this was one of those .I love to listen to the music & tap my feet or whistle a tune as I work on my computer this allows me to do all that & more.

So orignal, hilarious, and enjoyable just to listen to.
"Spelling bee," although I have yet to see it on broadway (sadly), is easily one of the best shows currently running on Broadway). It is extremly comical and yet still touches your heart with numbers such as the phenominal "I love you song" that Olive (the best charactor) sings. The best songs are:
Realistcly Bizare... Finn!
If there was a 3.5 on the stars I would give this that. The show is not by any means bad. The lyrics are phenominal! William Finn is a master of words. However the whole thing just doesnt give me chills. So I would recomend this to anyone who likes Broadway or Finn. As a show full of ballad... this is not it. It is a show of characters, so if your looking for some character study this might be a winner. My favorite songs are "My Unfortunate Erection (Chip's Lament)" and "Pandemonium." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Musicals    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

From the second the majestic overture of Rodgers and Hammerstein's 1949 show starts, you know you're in for a treat: In this age of diminished Broadway pits, hearing the 45-piece Orchestra of St. Luke's firing on all cylinders is just thrilling. And that's only the beginning of the fun in this most traditional, most delightful musical, recorded live at Carnegie Hall in June 2005. As Nellie Forbush, Reba McEntire deploys a homespun Southern charm that works marvels against the urbane Emile de Becque, i.e., Brian Stokes Mitchell and his impossibly buttery baritone (check out his rendition of "Some Enchanted Evening"). Of course we shouldn't be surprised, since country star Reba had turned out to be musical-theater star Reba when she replaced Bernadette Peters in Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (33)

THERE IS NOTHIN' LIKE REBA
With music and lyrics by Rodgers and Hammersteins' "South Pacific" in Concert features a jubilant Reba McEntire in a kicky, knock 'em dead in the aisles performance as Nellie Forbush is a "died and gone to heaven" listening experience. With her homey Southern twang she fits the bill perfectly as,(Nellies self-description)"I am just a hick". Her Emile DeBecque on the recording Brian Stokes Mitchell confirms his justified status as one of Broadways best leading men with his rich and powerful voice. Jason Danieley gives a fine and sweet-voiced rendition of "Younger Than Springtime" that would be fine in any season.
Great Job of Patching It Together
I saw this concert and was amazed that the CD and DVD turned out so well. Reba read many of her lines and song lyrics directly from her script at the concert, so much of the material must be from the dress rehearsal.
A wonderful blend of voices
I have been a Reba McEntire fan for many years. I had the good fortune to see her on Broadway in "Annie Get Your Gun". Her performance was amazing, and it was hard to believe that she was not trained in the musical theater, she held the audience in the palm of her hand.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Winner of five Oscars (including two for Richard and Robert Sherman's memorable slate of songs), Disney's 1964 adaptation of British author P.L. Travers' belovedchildren's tales melded live action, animation and music more successfully than any film before or since. Containing the most complete version of the ShermanBrothers' score and a wealth of previously unavailable behind-the-scenes treasures, this double-disc, 40th anniversary soundtrack edition becomes the ultimatemusical tribute to the beloved family masterpiece. The Sherman's memorable songs are showcased here in a more comprehensive musical context than ever before;indeed, a number of the expanded or previously unreleased pieces of the Irwin Kostal-arranged underscore now included were truncated in editing the film itself. Thegenerous bonus disc contains the set's greatest historical treasure: a 40+ minute pre-production story meeting between the Shermans, gag writer Don DaGradi andauthor Travers herself. Also included is a lengthy 1964 audio documentary featuring the Shermans and stars Julie Andrews and Dick Van Dyke, an audio montage of the songwriting team reminiscing and playing their original demos for the project and an illustrated 40-page companion booklet containing a history of the project as well as complete song lyrics.Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack
• Special Edition

Reviews (11)

Silly and without message? Quite the opposite!
From Wikipedia:
a classic
Julie Andrews was incredible in this. This musical came out brilliantly on film. The music is wonderful and the imagination is great for both children and adults.
The Songs I Still Hum
I was given "Mary Poppins" when I was four, in 1970. Then, it was in LP 33 rpm form. I still hum most of the songs. You will too. Though it was released several decades before, it is a classic, entertaining and completely delightful CD.
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Subjects:  1. Keyboard    2. Keyboard Music    3. Miscellaneous    4. Miscellaneous Music    5. Musicals    6. Orchestral    7. Orchestral Music    8. Original Score    9. Pop    10. Show Tunes    11. Soundtrack    12. Soundtracks    13. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

With its rich film catalog, Disney has a natural advantage when it comes to expanding into musical theater. But 1999's Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (29)

Skip the Show...Buy the CD!
A fan of Disney theater, I was disappointed by the Broadway version of Tarzan EXCEPT for the music. The original Phil Collins songs are intact and there are some new and beautiful songs added.Especially lovely are:
Tarzan comes to the stage
Act I
Disney Cashes in again.
If youve seen the animated movie, youve seen the broadway show. The script is nothing amazing. Phil Collins songs are good, but the original songs are the best. The real "show" is the amazing set. The asthetics of this show are amazing. There are some good ballads that Tazan sings, and Terk is a very fun part. Not a bad show for new broadway listners. Othrwise if you like Collins this is a show for you. Favorite Songs: "Different" and "Everything That I Am" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Music Theater    2. Musical    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

This final chapter of Peter Jackson's sprawling adaptation of Tolkien's "Ring" trilogy closes out one of the most accomplished cycles in cinema--and film music--history. As he's done for the saga's first two installments, composer Howard Shore has honed a mature, brooding orchestral masterpiece that's long on subtle shadings of mood and nuance, while eschewing the hollow bombast that's characterized all too many mainstream action and adventure films for three decades. If anything, he's pared this chapter of his music for Middle Earth even closer to the bone, the trilogy's familiar themes repeated with a sparing hand that only heightens their dramatic power. Like Herrmann before him, Shore has a preternatural understanding of orchestral timbres and their almost mystical connections with human emotions, and he's used it here to close out this remarkable trilogy with Wagnerian dramatic sweep, yet one with a distinctly modern, understated melodic sense that is Shore's alone. James Galway and Renee Fleming make key instrumental and vocal contributions, respectively, while Annie Lennox's soulful "Into the West" makes the expected, if unobtrusive, bow to the theatrical pop song conventions.--Read more

Features

• Enhanced
• Soundtrack

Reviews (257)

The stuff of legends!
What can I say that hasn't already been said about Howard Shore's magnificent score for the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy?A soundtrack can define the whole atmosphere of a film, and this fully orchestrated work certainly does that with sweep, splendor and wonder, alternately humanizing (hobbit-izing?) the characters, imbuing the landscape with magic and capturing the world-shaking impact of events of mythic proportions.And this was no easy task considering the iconoclastic status of the story and the superb quality of Peter Jackson's filmmaking.This is a truly a soundtrack for the ages--a fitting accompaniment to a film for the ages!Every aspect of life, from the extreme to the mundane, is captured in this music.Listening to it can make every remembered moment of the movie come alive again in your mind, from the most horrific battle to the smallest moment of humor or kindness.And the battle scenes in "Return of the King" are incredible visuals, blending live action and computer-generated imagery so seamlessly and densely that it boggles the mind.But what would they be with only screams and snorts and scuffles to give them voice?It's Shore's frenetic, string-laden, brass-filled, drum-spurred fury that truly gives them life, waxing, waning and cueing the audience as to when the greatest menace is about to threaten the war-weary heroes.The musical themes from the first two movies continue to be developed here, wending their way in and out of expanded interpretations whose dense complexity rivals that of Tolkien's story, not to mention Peter Jackson's filmmaking itself.The total effect is utterly convincing and utterly transporting.Peter Jackson chose well when he picked Shore as his score writer.Very, very well!Be sure to get the scores from the other two movies in the trilogy as well - "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers."They seem to be available in no end of different packagings, including ones with bonus DVDs about the creation of the score.Also, make sure to get the extended edition DVDs of the movie itself, with hours and hours of fascinating commentaries and behind-the-scenes documentaries about the making of the films.Truly a bargain at any price!And for authentic music from bygone ages, try the real thing!There are many fine groups out there.Here's just a sampling: Anonymous 4 (pure-voiced sacred chant by four women), The Baltimore Consort (jaunty popular music from the Renaissance), David Munrow's Early Music Consort of London (simply perfection), Christian Mendoze's Musica Antiqua (lively, percussive Renaissance dance music), The Toronto Consort (great variety), Ensemble Unicorn (worlds of fun!), Wolgemut (brash buzzies and bagpipes with attitude), and the magical early/folk fusion of Cantiga and Burlap Lute.Have some fun with them and live your own fantasy!
Bored of the Rings...
First off, I'm fifteen.
Ifyou like classical movie soundtracks...you NEED this!
My brother and his wife to be walked down the aisle to selections from this soundtrack.With my being a lover of classical music especially that from movie scores...I was instantly hooked.Movie scores have always mystified me even in my own life...made me kind of look back differenly at the world moving around me.I cried at my brother's wedding when his bride to be came out to this music and cried even harder when I sat in the comfort of my office, and then my bedroom while listening to Annie Lennox pour passion and soul into the song "into the west".So beautifully written, anyone can find some meaning that touches their life in some personal way...through this beautiful song. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Original Score    4. Pop    5. Soundtrack    6. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Artists   

Editorial Review

This has to be Steve Reich's most difficult work to perform; but he's done it. Several times. Read more

Features

• Original recording reissued

Reviews (22)

Amazing Music!!! Buy This Album Now!!!
I'm just becoming a fan of Reich's music, and from what I've heard I really like. Reich's influence is all over the place and I'm starting to slowly realize that. His music is a great study in counterpoint, which for all who don't know, is technique of two or more rhythms that play at the same time, but are in the same timbre. Steve Reich's music is some of the most beautiful music I've ever heard. It's music that I've heard in my head for a long time and couldn't quite make heads or tails out of it until now.
Reich's Importance Continues to Rise
For those fortunate to have viewed the film THE DYING GAUL either in the theater or on the DVD now on the shelves, the music of Steve Reich struck all of the right moods and lent the support and atmosphereto make this the fine film it is.Hoping that the Soundtrack from the movie will be available eventually, at least for now this very fine recording of STEVE REICH: MUSIC FOR 18 MUSICIANSwill suffice.
That Cat's Crazy!
This is a brilliant - arguably the definiitive - recording of a challenging and visionary work by one of our most gifted and consistently interesting contemporary composers. Any of the three available studio performances has merit (I haven't experienced the live recording) and each offers something different in tempo, mix, length...this is my favorite and the one I recommend to friends.
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Subjects:  1. Chamber Music & Recitals    2. Classical    3. Classical Composers    4. Classical Music    5. More than Two Solo Voices with Small Ensemble    6. Vocal   

Editorial Review

For one brief, shining moment, there was a place known as Camelot--and this 1961 recording is the only document available of JFK's favorite musical, the one that's been used to describe his presidential administration ever since. Truthfully, Lerner and Loewe's musical score for this retelling of the King Arthur story doesn't measure up to Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (53)

One of the most memorable and enchanting Broadway musicals
I was a child when I first heard this.This was probably my father'sfavorite musical.For me, this is the definitive Camelot.The combination of Richard Burton, Julie Andrews, Robert Goulet, and Roddy McDowall was pure magic.So in a fit of nostalgia, I ordered this.And even now, I still feel its hold on me.
The Original
This is the must-have version of this musical.Richard Burton, Robert Goulet and Roddy McDowell are all fabulous as is the rest of the cast.

Camelot (original Cast)
I bought this as a gift to my sister who simply loved and treasured it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Classical    3. Film    4. Film Music    5. Musicals    6. Original Cast Recordings    7. Show Tunes    8. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

When it comes to retro-action, it's hard to top Read more

Features

• Cast Recording

Reviews (36)

As good as the movie, the music is fitting, fun show to see and hear
I saw this show live on broadway, immediatly had to buy the album afterwards.Stephen Lynch was a perfect fit for this role.Unfortunately his understudy did the show the night I was there, but I can hear Lynch do the songs as they were meant to be here on the CD. Excellent sound, great splicing, gets the story through.Lynch really has the raw voice to not sound so "broadwayish" and fake, makes the role feel real, much as Adam Sandler had played it.
The best musical of 2006!
Shame it won no Tony awards, but that just goes to show how screwed up they are. 2006 will be remembered as the year the Best Musical Tony was stolen from The Wedding Singer just as in 2004 when Wicked lost. It is a beautiful recording and kudos to all who star in the production. My personal favorite is the song. "Right In Front of Your Eyes" with the wonderful Amy Spanger (of Reefer Madness!).

Well produced cast album of what appears to be a lively and enjoyable show
The past few seasons Broadway has been flooded with stage adaptations of popular movies: THE PRODUCERS, DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS, THE LION KING, and now comes THE WEDDING SINGER from the hit Adam Sandler film. Boasting a lively score by newcomers Matthew Sklar and Chad Beguelin, the show has been struggling at the box-office thanks to mixed reviews and being shut out at the Tony awards.The cast album gets off to a great start with "It's your wedding day" and there are several other numbers along the way that do what good show tunes should do: develop the plot and detail the characters.Stars Stephen Lynch and Laura Benanti play well off each other, even if not every song is pure gold. Even if THE WEDDING SINGER fails on Broadway it will probably have a long and healthy life in regional and community theatres. The booklet contains a detailed synopsis and all the lyrics as well as quite a few pictures from the show.
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Subjects:  1. Cast Recordings    2. Music Theater    3. Musical Theater    4. Pop    5. Showtunes / B'way   

Editorial Review

Here are three dozen pieces of music, all played by Yo-Yo Ma, culled from his extensive discography. Aside from the technical mastery and beautiful tone that are absolutes in all of his playing, one is dazzled by his curiosity and ability to adapt to so many forms and types of music. His Bach and Vivaldi are pellucid and played with non-sentimental crispness, his tango music gritty and rhythmically pungent, his jazz seemingly spontaneous, the "Meditation" from Read more

Reviews (8)

Great Collection!
Between these two disks, the listener experiences the expansive swath of this virtuoso's briliant repetoire.I bought the disk primarily for Bach's Prelude from Cello Suite No 1 in G Major, but I also loved the other Bach selections and the hauntingly beautiful rendition of "Simple Gifts".I have heard other performances by Yo-Yo Ma of this Cello suite selection, but I found this version to be the most stylistically appealing--at least by my humble tastes.I usually avoid compilation cds ("best of" is usually a turn off), but this is a definite thumbs-up.At the very least, it will point the way to other selections to pursue in greater depth.It really is a great musical find!

DVD purchase
Purchasing this product was hassle free and arrived well packaged in short time frame considering overseas destination.
After heearing both discs-- totally Out-0f-Sight!
Before first hearing this awesome Essential Yo-Yo Ma, my hearing Yo-Yo Ma in person came from a few feet from front-stage. Yet hearing him on ear-phones on this CD each morning, you get sucherie aura of inner presence, from the Prelude of Bach Suite No 1 in G major, then Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring, Sheep May Safely Graze, full Orchestra with Wachet Auf, "Simple Gifts" played by the Master Musician, sung by the plaintive soprano voice of an angel, two Morricone Pieces, "Gabriel's Oboe and the Falls" + "The Eternal Vow," from the Crouching Tiger and "The Cellist of Sarajevo." It is 153 minutes of blessed, calming, soothing, heavenly, Eternally Peaceful, flowing of Melodies!
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Subjects:  1. Cantata    2. Cello Concerto    3. Cello Solo    4. Cello with Keyboard    5. Chamber    6. Chamber Music    7. Choral    8. Choral Music    9. Chorale Prelude or Chorale Treatment for Keyboard    10. Classical    11. Classical Artists    12. Concerto    13. Film    14. Film Music    15. Keyboard    16. Keyboard Music    17. Miscellaneous    18. Miscellaneous Music    19. Orchestral    20. Orchestral & Symphonic   

Reviews (18)

Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias"
My daughter (6 y.o.) and I like opera; but sitting for two hours to watch Turandot is just not within the realm of possibilities for my 4 year old son right now... so I was looking for an opera CD for the car.He will sit and listen to short arias.
How about this...
...a wonderful and affordably priced music masterpiece for the novice to sample opera. I am new to the opera having seen my first at the Arena di Verona (Aida). It took the one to get me to want to sample more and this collection is certainly worthy of praise.

Very Disappointed
To be fair, I usually do not like opera--hurts my ears.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Collections-Composer Desc.    3. Classical Music    4. French Romantic Opera    5. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    6. Italian 20th/21st Century Opera    7. Italian Romantic Opera    8. Opera    9. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    10. V/a Compilations   

Editorial Review

For better or worse, Andrew Lloyd Webber's adaptation of Gaston Leroux's gothic horror/romance novel has done for stage musicals what Spielberg's Read more

Features

• Special Edition
• Soundtrack

Reviews (512)

One more review of the singing performances
One more comment regarding the vocal performances: I agree that Christine and the Phantom have weaker voices than the actors from the London cast, but they have one major point in their favor: THEY DON'T HAVE SEVERE INTONATION PROBLEMS!!!
An okay rendition of a great musical
I'm a big fan of the music of Phantom of the Opera but I can't say that the music portion of this movie really blows me away.Christine I like but the phantom I found to be breathy and not as into his part as he could have been.
Sizzling
I have seen and heard MANY different companies perform Phantom of the Opera on stage. All were Amazing... During you felt all of the emotions compassion, pity, envy, rage etc. BUT Gerard Butler evoked a new emotions never felt by his singing.... passion this sensual quality that makes you stop and say WOW the Phantom is HOT and Sexy. Christine what are you doing choosing Roual When Gerard signs "Point of No Return" you can FEEL the passion and tension in the air.Don't get my wrong Michael Crawford or Brad Little's were well done but because their voices are so different you just don't fell the heat or passion in his version as you do with Gerard's.
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Subjects:  1. Film    2. Film Music    3. Musicals    4. Original Score    5. Pop    6. Show Tunes    7. Soundtrack    8. Soundtracks    9. Soundtracks & Film Scores   

Editorial Review

This is a misnomer--not all of these duets are all that famous--but it's a fine compilation nonetheless. You'll hear selections from Bizet's Read more

Reviews (23)

The closest thing
This is a marvelous CD, especially the Pearl Fisher's duet with Gedda and Blanc.I would rank that performance second all time, just below the
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The quality of the recording is good. The variety of artists used is good

Great value for the money
This is literally the CD that sparked my love for opera. The duet from "The Pearl Fishers" is just stunning. I'm buying another copy of this because my husband accidentally tossed the old one along with our old (nonfunctional) CD player. Can't do without this CD! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Music    3. French Romantic Opera    4. German/Austrian Classical Period Opera    5. German/Austrian Romantic Opera    6. Italian Romantic Opera    7. Opera    8. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    9. Opera/Operetta Collections    10. V/a Compilations