Opera novice weighing in with my humble opinion!
I am a new listener to opera and I can't think of any CD that could be more relevatory for people like me that have no idea where to start. I find myself listening with tears in my eyes at the sheer power and emotion in Pavarotti's beautiful voice. I especially liked the booklet that came with the CDs. The performances and individual operas were discussed with the song from the opera given context within the story. Additionally, the lyrics are given with English translations, which I found really helpful.
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Excellent Survey of Pavarotti's Work
For someone who is already a student of opera, this dual set will probably be somewhat redundant. However, if you are curious about opera in general or are unfamiliar with Pavarotti's recordings, this is an excellent anthology. I bought it as two cassettes some 20 years ago and wore it out, beginning a life-long love affair with opera. Use it to familiarize yourself with the songs and arias represented here, then explore the complete operas and/or song albums that these came from.
I would especially recommend:
RIGOLETTO (Verdi), Milnes, Pavarotti, Sutherland, Bonynge
La BOHEME (Puccini), Freni, Pavarotti, Karajan
TURANDOT (Puccini), Sutherland, Pavarotti, Mehta
O SOLE MIO/Neapolitan Songs (Various)
And to the two trolls who gave this set a review of ONE STAR (FP Wright LF Barker), because a CD skipped or a CD was missing, good grief. The review is supposed to be of the recording in question! Use your head! Is the fact that you received damaged goods--which very occasionally happens to everyone, and I'm sure Amazon cheerfully fixed the problem--a reason for someone to not buy the recording? If a recording is lousy because the performer had an off day, or the recording process was sub-par (and therefore ALL discs are effected), or whatever, then by all means, give it a "1" or "2" and STATE YOUR REASONS LOGICALLY. Your "reviews" are of NO help to anyone.
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