CD-Charts Position 1
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Incanto

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Andrea Bocelli

Release Date November 03, 2008
This is an outstanding album that finds Bocelli in wonderful voice. There's not a bad track here, with the emphasis on the great Neapolitan canzones. If one discounts Caruso as THE singer of such songs as a native of Naples, they have seldom been sung better. The song selection is excellent, with every one having a high "hummability" factor.
Bocelli appears to be a tenor at the height of his powers. The ending to Funiculi Funicula is breathtaking but a mere precursor to brilliance with the extraordinary D flat that ends Because. The latter is far from a "lounge" song as the Amazon review suggests, having been done by any tenor with his salt from Caruso through Gigli, Lanza and Domingo. I've not yet heard anyone take the final note with ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 2
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Vivere - Greatest Hits

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Andrea Bocelli

Release Date November 12, 2007
I have this CD on constant repeat! The music is so varied but holds your attention every step of the way. Bocelli's voice is one you just have to fall in love with. His "Romanza" is 1 of my favourites but "Vivo Per Lei" has me hooked also. GET THIS CD!!!!!!

CD-Charts Position 3
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The Three Tenors Christmas

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Luciano Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo

Release Date October 13, 2008
The Three Tenors are on top form here with all their usual pomp. Cantique de Noel as the opening carol is perfect. Few carols are as reverently uplifting and this sets the tone perfectly. The CD provides a lovely contrast to the more well known popular Christmas song collections and adds a sparkle to the decorations when listening.

CD-Charts Position 4
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Bellini - La Sonnambula / Bartoli, Florez, D'Arcangelo, Orchestra La Scintilla, De Marchi

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Cecilia Bartoli, Juan Diego Florez, Ildebrando D'Arcangelo, Vincenzo Bellini, Orchestra La Scintilla, Alessandro De Marchi

Release Date November 10, 2008
It is really boring to listen to this recording of La Sonnanbula. What a disappointment! One has to go back to the Callas version right away. Sorry Cecilia, I love you, I've attended many of your opera performances in Zurich and in most of them I was absolutely overwhelmed but definitely this is not your highest achievement. I only have a word for it: boring.

CD-Charts Position 5
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The Only Opera Album You'll Ever Need

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Covent Garden Royal Opera House Orchestra, London Symphony Orchestra, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra

Release Date March 31, 2001
The tracks on this cd are excellent and well worth the money. I get worried about the packaging of this sort of disc though because it reminds me of Tesco's attempt to sell wine to the masses by renaming a mediocre chablis as 'Good with meat' or whatever. If this was called 'Fine Opera' or 'An Opera Sampler' then I'd be a lot happier but the dumb approach of 'The Only Opera Album You'll Ever Need' makes me cringe. Once again though: the music is very good and the performances are excellent on the whole.

CD-Charts Position 6
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Operas of Gilbert and Sullivan (D'Oyly Carte Opera Company)

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Gilbert and Sullivan

Release Date February 09, 2004
I agree wholeheartedly with the review by J.J.Rhodes, but feel I should make the point that the whole set is recorded in full glorious MONO! Once you have got over the shock of the sound stage collapsing into a point source however, the music really is delightful, and takes me back to the days when I used to pay 9d to sit up in the gods at the Golders Green Hippodrome to hear the D'Oyly Carte company sing their way through all those charming numbers. This set has a distinctly dated feel about it, and makes one realise just how much performing styles, as well as recording techniques, have changed in half a century (and some of the artists were clearly chosen for their ability to act rather than their ability to sing!). But for all that, I'm glad I bought ... Read More:

CD-Charts Position 7
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One Chance

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Paul Potts

Release Date July 16, 2007
Isn't it amazing what TV and a whole bucket load of hype can do.
This guy would not get a part in an amateur production of Gilbert & Sullivan!Of course it's all a question of "the kings new clothes",if we criticise him we don't have a heart/cannot hear how well he sings, or just don't appreciate talent.(Where is it?)
Well, Mr Potts sings off key(often)and when he finds the key he continues by singing flat.
Make the best of it Mr Potts because the fickle world of "popular" music will soon tire of you,and when they do they will tear you to pieces, as they discover the fabrication that has been passed off as talent.
Talent cannot be invented,as has Paul Potts,it comes naturally;and this voice is decidely unatural.

CD-Charts Position 8
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Andrea Bocelli - Sacred Arias

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
from: Philips

Release Date May 13, 2002
A CD that has so much beauty it moves you from beginning to end. His voice portrays so much emotion that you don't just appreciate the sound, you feel every note that he sings.

There are some CDs that are simply labelled "mood music", and this for me is one that I file under such a category. Every time I listen it lifts me and transports me to places only I can go to. Somewhere that escapes the modern world.

The choice of arias is perfect. Many of which I was unfamiliar with. However, I have since introduced this CD to a number of people, many who listen to an entirely different genre of music; nearly all have been captivated by it.

All I can say is buy it and soak up the rich fare on offer.

CD-Charts Position 9
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Andrea Bocelli - Under The Desert Sky - Live In Las Vegas [2006] (NTSC)

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Andrea Bocelli

Release Date December 04, 2006
Great present from husband,(Mr. G. Lewis) really enjoyed the mix of songs. What a voice this man has got.

CD-Charts Position 10
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Gilbert and Sullivan - Favourites

CD-Charts > Music > Opera
by: Gilbert and Sullivan

Release Date March 07, 2005
Great present from husband,(Mr. G. Lewis) really enjoyed the mix of songs. What a voice this man has got.