Decca's two-disc set
Opera Album 2011 collects performances from the late 20th and early 21st centuries by some of the leading singers of their time. There are hardly any singers represented who aren't superstars, so the quality of the performances is often spectacular. In addition to those pictured on the cover, the artists include classic performers
Joan Sutherland,
Birgit Nilsson,
Plácido Domingo, and
Hermann Prey; today’s stars, such as
Angela Gheorghiu,
Rolando Villazón, and
Jonas Kaufmann; and more.
The selections are mostly arias, but several ensembles and choruses are included. The repertoire is weighted very heavily to 19th century Italian opera; two arias each by Handel and Mozart are included, and there are only two in German, but Bizet is well-represented, with five tracks. The accompanying orchestras and conductors are top-notch, and all the recordings come from the stereo or digital eras, so the sound is almost always good. The program notes cite the original recordings from which the selections were taken, making it easy for interested listeners to hear more of particular opera or singer. The album makes a good investment for anyone looking for a collection of operatic selections from the standard repertoire, beautifully performed and recorded.