Warner's
40 Most Beautiful Arias is a terrific package to give to beginners, though aficionados of the vocal arts may find some sparkling gems here, too. Examples from the operas of Mozart, Bizet, Puccini, Verdi, and other masters of the genre combine to make this a well-rounded and satisfying program. The performers represent the best in the field; world-renowned stars
Plácido Domingo,
Kiri Te Kanawa,
José Carreras,
Barbara Hendricks,
Roberto Alagna, and
Angela Gheorghiu, lend this compilation an attractive luster. About the only complaint that can be made about this collection is the occasional variability of sound quality, which is expected in a survey of recordings from 1950 and 2001, with analog or digital reproduction, and at numerous venues. Most listeners will find the best-sounding arias outweigh the problems of the few hazy historical tracks.