CD-Charts Position 1
Average Rating:

Verdi: Requiem; Quattro pezzi sacri

from: Decca

Release Date October 10, 2006
This is an excellent recording of an excellent performance of the famous REQUIEM by Verdi. The Dies Irae section is especially thrilling. Highly recommended.The "Four Sacred Pieces" is a fine added bonus, especially the "Te Deum".

CD-Charts Position 2
Average Rating:

Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

from: Deutsche Grammophon

Release Date October 08, 2002
I have more experience with other genres of music, but am interested in basically all kinds. I have been collecting CDs for nearly 2 decades but had no Opera in my collection. I did a little research and arrived at a conclusion. If I wanted the most and best Opera music for my money, I had to get this title, which is a double album, and "The Most Famous Opera Duets". Well, the latter was a steal with a list price under four dollars, and the former was a truly good compilation of many uplifting, diverse, impactful, and pleasant pieces. I am satisfied with my purchases and have filled the gap in my music collection. I can't see Opera getting better than this and the other title I mentioned. Enjoy!

CD-Charts Position 3
Average Rating:

God Bless America: The Ultimate Patriotic Album

from: Decca

Release Date June 11, 2002
This collection has all the standards, and a few "hard-to-find" ones. These are all well done. I used them recently during our church's senior adult program to honor our vets.

Enjoy.

CD-Charts Position 4
Average Rating:

Essential Beethoven

from: Decca

Release Date June 12, 2001
i went searching for a Beethoven CD because i was lucky enough to find this wonderful Mozart one. But this Beethoven CD doesnt have the best performances. The most popular pieces are apparently played by beginners because the notes sound disjointed, as if they arent playing together but playing each piece separately, which is not what an orchestra is supposed to sound like....otherwise we wouldnt call it an orchestra....it would be an elementary school meddley! But anyway, the less popular pieces are boring, like the compilers didnt feel like paying for the good stuff. Overall, im disappointed with this CD. The picture is cool though.....(insert glaring smiley here).

CD-Charts Position 5
Average Rating:

Respighi: Laud to the Nativity; Monteverdi: Magnificat

from: Clarion

Release Date August 31, 2004
I believe this is the only English version recording available currently. It is very well done.

CD-Charts Position 6
Average Rating:

Brahms: Alto Rhapsody; Nänie; Gesang der Parzen; Schicksalslied

from: Telarc

Release Date October 25, 1990
This is Brahms at his most contemplative, complex and introspective. Complete attention is required. If you are looking for lollypops & lullabies you will be disappointed. This music takes you to the lofty heights of parnassus. No one said the climb would be easy & you need to have made the necessary intellectual preparation.
Robert Shaw & the Atlanta Symphony have, once again, shown themselves to be a first class unit. There is no banal, excessive displays of emotion, no hysteria - just beautiful music tatefully recorded.

CD-Charts Position 7
Average Rating:

Verdi: Requiem / Sutherland, Horne, Pavarotti, Talvela, Solti

by: Giuseppe Verdi, Vienna Philharmonic, Georg Solti, Joan Sutherland, Marilyn Horne, Luciano Pavarotti, Martti Talvela, Vienna State Opera Chorus

Release Date October 25, 1990
Sonic spectacular

I'm a big fan of Joan Sutherland, so I really went out of my way to get this. Yes, 84 minutes on two full-price discs is not exactly a collector's bargain, but like I said, I had a different incentive for getting this.

Verdi Requiem sopranos are usually the Aida/Forza type. Not too often do you get the Gilda/La Traviata type. So it's a fascinating experience to hear a top coloratura like Sutherland in this choral warhorse. I found Sutherland's Requiem very enjoyable - I simply love the sound of her voice. While many fault her diction, I had no trouble with it (I understood her all throughout Libera Me). Also, it's neat to finally hear an actual trill in Hostias.

Listeners familiar with Georg Solti's Ring ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 8
Average Rating:

Christmas Adagios

from: Decca

Release Date October 09, 2001
This is the BEST Christmas collection that I have ever heard. I would like
to purchase 15 more to give as gifts this year; however, it appears that
Decca is out of stock or no longer releasing it. HELP!!

CD-Charts Position 9
Average Rating:

The King And I (1992 Hollywood Studio Cast)

by: Richard Rodgers, Julie Andrews

Release Date October 06, 1992
as someone who considers themself as a fan of musical theater, i strongly agree with the sentiment that such fans must own at least one copy of The King and I. its a beautiful musical full of stirring and emotional songs regardless, so you certainly can't go wrong. the only problem is which copy does one buy?! lets face it, there is the 1951 original cast, 1956 motion picture, 1977 broadway revival, 1996 broadway revival and this 1992 studio cast. wow, where to begin.

as someone who owns three copies of this timeless musical (1956, 1977, this) i have to say that if you must choose just one, this is the one. the performers here the overall strongest of any recording and the orchestrations are fuller and richer than ever before. the songs are just as great ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 10
Average Rating:

Amor--Opera's Great Love Songs

from: Decca

Release Date August 11, 1998
I absolutely love opera music, and this c.d. is great for the most part. However, I am completely shocked that Maria Callas is nowhere to be found! In my opinion Callas' versions of Vissi D'arte, Vissi D'amore, L'Amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle, Oh! MI Babbino Caro, Signore, Ascolta!, and Un bel di vedremo were much better than the versions feature on this c.d. Even Tribaldi made the list! If people enjoy amazing opera music, they would be better off buying a c.d. by Maria Callas. Of course, Pavarotti is also amazing.