THE PERFECT OPERA assembles a collection of the greatest, best known music from the world of opera as interpreted by some of the finest artists of our time. The works, which encompass a wide range of genres and styles, are programmed as if to construct a virtual opera complete with prelude, intermezzo and, of course, a grand finale.
The album opens with the thundering, ominous Prelude from Verdi's 'Rigoletto' and moves through a gamut of styles and emotions ranging from the lighthearted opera buffa of Rossini's "Largo al factotum" to the white hot intensity of Maria Callas' performance of "Casta diva" from Bellini's bel canto masterpiece, 'Norma.' An instrumental interlude is offered with a selection from the world of verismo: the hauntingly beautiful and plaintive Intermezzo from Mascagni's 'Cavalleria Rusticana.'
The disc continues with selections from masterworks such as Boito's 'Mefistofele,' Mozart's 'The Marriage of Figaro,' and Cilea's 'Adriana Lecouvreur,' featuring performances by Placido Domingo, Fiorenza Cossotto, and Mirella Freni. And from Handel's 'Serse,' the sublime melody of "Ombra mai fu" is performed beautifully by Fritz Wunderlich. The album concludes with a burst of fireworks as the powerful voice of the great Franco Corelli shakes the rafters in Puccini's grand, glorious "Nessun dorma."
