The Butterfly

The Butterfly

Track Listings

1. The Butterfly

2. Newcastle

3. Cold Frosty Morning

4. King of the Faeries / Temple Hill

5. All in a Garden Green / The Honeysuckle

6. Sackpipslåt från Norra Råda / Konvulsionslåten

7. Rain

8. Le Rossignol (The Nightingale) / Cuncti Simus

9. Johsefin's Dopvals / Polska efter Pelle Pederson

10. Neil Gow's Lament at the Death of His Second Wife

11. George White's Favorite / Blackberry Blossom

12. Separation of the Soul from the Body

13. Lowlands of Holland

14. Divinum Mysterium

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
Shelley Phillips has a Masters of Music from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music. She plays and tours with The Anjali Quartet and The Coulter/Phillips Ensemble, performs as a duo with her husband, Barry Phillips, sings Shape Note music, and is currently collaborating with Rumi translator and poet Coleman Barks.

Shelley has appeared on many recordings on the Gourd music label, including her solo albums The Fairie Round and Pavane. She also has recorded music of the Shakers and produced a benefit album, Verdant Groves, for the Shaker village museums.

In addition to performing and recording, Shelley works as a music director within the Episcopalian church and is the founder and executive director of Community Music School of Santa Cruz, where she runs Celtic Camps for children and teens, concerts, workshops, and other programs.

She lives on the foggy California coast with her husband Barry and three very spoiled cats.

Product Description
An all instrumental recording featuring Shelley Phillips on Celtic harp, oboe, English horn, Irish flute, pennywhistle, bamboo flute and kalimba. Shelley is joined by many of her talented friends performing on double harp, cello, Irish flute, recorder, guitar, dulcimer, fiddle and piano.

Tracks:

Carmen: Act 1: Prld - LPO/Sir Georg Solti
La Traviata: Brindisi: Libiamo, Ne'lieti Calici - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina - Luciano Pavarotti
Lakme: Flower Duet: Dome Epais Le Jasmin - Joan Sutherland/Jane Berbie
Fedora: Amor Ti Vieta - Jussi Bjorling
Carmen: Habanera: L'amour Est Un Oiseau Rebelle - Tatiana Troyanos/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis
Nabucco: Chor Of The Hebrew Slaves: Va Pensiero - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hills
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Dove Sono - Kiri Te Kanawa
Rigoletto: La Donna E Mobile - Luciano Pavarotti
Lohengrin: Bridal Chor: Treulich Gefuhrt Ziehet Dahin - Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor/Walter Hagen-Groll
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro - Renata Tebaldi
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Largo Al Factotum - Leo Nucci
La Wally: Ebben?... Ne Andro Lontana - Angela Gheorghiu
Madama Butterfly: Humming Chor - Wiener Staatsopernchor/Norbert Balatsch
Carmen: Flower Song: La Fleur Que Tu M'avais Jetee - Placido Domingo
Les Contes D'Hoffmann: Barcarolle: Belle Nuit, O Nuit D'Amour - Joan Sutherland/Huguette Tourangeau/Chor De La Radio Suisse Romande, Pro Arte De Lausanne Et Du...
Tosca: E Lucevan Le Stelle - Placido Domingo
Madama Butterfly: Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
Les Pecheurs De Perles: C'est Toi... Au Fond Du Temple Saint - Gregory Cross/Gino Quilico

Tracks:

Die Walkure: The Ride Of The Valkyries - Wiener Phil/Solti
Le Nozze Di Figaro: Voi Che Sapete - Cecilia Bartoli
Pagliacci: Recitar!... Vesti La Giubba - Luciano Pavarotti
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti/Roland Panerai
Il Trovatore: Anvil Chor: Vedi! Le Fosche - Chicago Sym Chor/Margaret Hillis
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai - Jose Carreras
Don Giovanni: La Ci Darem La Mano - Lucia Popp/Tom Krause
Mattinata - Andrea Bocelli
Faust: Soldiers' Chor - Ambrosian Opr Chor/John McCarthy
L'elisir D'amore: Una Furtiva Lagrima - Roberto Alagna
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta! - Montserrat Caballe
Don Giovanni: Champagne Aria: Finch'han Dal Vino - Bryn Terfel
Cosi Fan Tutte: Trio: Soave Sia Il Vento - Renee Fleming/Anne Sofie Von Otter/Michele Pertusi
Il Trovatore: Di Quella Pira - Luciano Pavarotti/Joan Sutherland/London Opr Chor/Terry Edwards
Tosca: Vissi D'arte - Kiri Te Kanawa
Carmen: Toreador Song - Jose Van Dam/Tatiana Troyanos/Norma Burrowes/Jane Berbie/Thomas Allen/Pierre Thau/John Alldis...
Madama Butterfly: Love Duet: Vogliatemi Bene - Mirella Freni/Luciano Pavarotti
Cavalleria Rusticana: Intermezzo - Nat PO/Gianandrea Gavazzeni
Rusalka: O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
La Boheme: Si. Mi Chiamano Mimi - Angela Gheorghiu
Turandot: Nessun Dorma - Luciano Pavarotti/John Alldis Chor/John Alldis

Amazon.com

The labels that are now gathered under the Universal Classics umbrella have a pretty impressive scorecard in the area of classical compilations. We've seen The Greatest Opera Show on Earth, The Yellow Guide: Classical Music, Best of the Millennium, and now there's The No. 1 Opera Album. But that's no surprise, since Universal has some of the finest interpreters in its catalogue to draw from. This two-CD set (at the price of one), for example, brings together the likes of Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming, Luciano Pavarotti, Kiri Te Kanawa, Sir Georg Solti, Herbert von Karajan, and many more. Yet the other key to a successful compilation is canny anthologizing, and here again, you have a nice selection to give you a smattering of opera's heavyweights from the Italian, German, and French repertory (there's even a step outside the standard framework with an aria from Dvorák's lovely Rusalka). Ranging from 1959 to 1997, the choices from back catalogue will doubtless be the entry ticket for many into this grandest of the arts. --Sarah Chin

Customer Reviews:

The beautiful gift of opera..........2007-07-17

This 2-CD set is absolutely wonderful! You can close your eyes and feel like you're actually at the opera, listening to those beautiful voices bringing tears to your eyes. Nessun Dorma still stirs up emotions in me, no matter how many times I hear it. Great examples of opera to give someone wanting to get interested in this style of music.

Pretty darn good.......2007-07-04

This CD set has a lot of familiar music on it, so if you're a newbie, you might want to try starting with this. There are some great pieces on the first CD. I usually don't even make it to the second.

The Opera #1 Opera Album.......2007-06-07

The music is wonderful. The production is terrible!! The sound fades in and out and is very scratchy in some places.

Excellent assortment.......2007-05-12

I'm not a big opera fan but I wanted to expose an assorted selection for my kids. This was perfect since it included several recognizable selections.

Great Selections.......2007-03-31

This Cd, has the very best of Opera
covering mainly from the classcal
to the to the romantic periods, a most
memorable selection here is Leo Nucci
in a lagendary performance of Rossini's
"Largo al Factotum" from "Il Barbiere di Seviglia"
also Andrea Bocelli in his performance of Leoncavallo's
memorable "Matinatta" here in an orchestrated version.
Indeed some of opera's most loved arias are in this recording
various conductors, orchestras, and soloists. All in their
very best. Indeed a five-star recording...

Average customer rating:

Great for kids!
Mediocre Sound Quality
I was pleased
The Most Famous Opera Arias
Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias"

The Most Famous Opera Arias

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Duets
The Best of Italian Opera
The #1 Opera Album
The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...

ASIN: B000002SCE
Release Date: 1994-07-19

Tracks:

Rigoletto: Act I - Caro nome
Rigoletto: Act III - La donna e mobile
Gianni Schicchi: O mio babbino caro
Carmen: Act I - Habanera: La voila...L'amour est oiseau rebelle
Orfeo ed Euridice: Act III - Che faro senz Euridice
Madama Butterfly: Act III - Un bel di, vedremo
Romeo et Juliette: Act I - Ah! je veux vivre
Le nozze di Figaro: Act II - Voi che sapete che cosa e amor
Samson et Dalila: Act II - Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix
Tosca:: Act II - Vissi d'arte, vissi d'amore
Aida: Act I-Celeste Aida
Il Barbiere Di Siviglia: Act I-Una voce poco fa
Lakme: Act II - Ou va la jeune indoue?
La Wally: Act I - Ebben? Ne andro lontano
La Boheme: Act I - Che gelida manina
Die Zauberflote: Act II-Die Holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen

Customer Reviews:

Great for kids!.......2007-06-27

I'm generally not a fan of music "samplers," but opera can be tough to introduce to children. And hey--even adults played cards, ate, and talked through the recitative sections of the early operas while they waited for the next aria! So I feel that getting kids hooked on opera through great arias probably can't hurt (the next 10 years or so will determine whether I'm right or not). My 4-year-old loves this CD; it's a delight to watch her imitate Anna Moffo (the sincerest form of flattery, for sure). Highly recommended resource for introducing young kids to opera. More top picks: Siberell's Bravo! Brava! A Night at the Opera, and the Black Dog Opera Library CDs.

Mediocre Sound Quality.......2007-03-31

If you note the album was released in 1994, and includes selections from many years prior, you will understand that the quality of the sound engineering is not going to dazzle your ear.

It's a very nice collection to hum along to, but don't expect shivers down your spine as the sound quality is not sufficient to reproduce the dynamic range of these voices.

I was pleased.......2007-02-18

I am by no means an opera expert, but found this to be a wonderful CD. Along with the songs I already knew I liked (such as a song from Carmen,) I found many others I enjoyed. In fact, Samson et Dahlila turned out to be my favorite. If you are just getting started or at any point in your adventure of opera, I would recommend this one.

The Most Famous Opera Arias.......2007-01-05

I was completely surprised in the product as well as the time in which it was delivered.

I would not only refer this seller but I will come back myself.

Okay But.... - a review of "The Most Famous Opera Arias".......2006-08-18

My daughter (6 y.o.) and I like opera; but sitting for two hours to watch Turandot is just not within the realm of possibilities for my 4 year old son right now... so I was looking for an opera CD for the car. He will sit and listen to short arias.

This was the first we purchased and it is okay but not great.

Problem #1 - where is Wagner. No Wagner?
Problem#2 - Elena Obraztsova - she sounds like Carmen's grandmother. Rather matronly for a vixen (imho--lol)

Three Stars. [C+] Great Price and good sound quality for the car. The operatic styles of some of the performers are antiquated and frilly sounding, but I would probably buy this CD again.

Note: We purchased and really preferred "The # 1 Opera Album". It has more selections and better artists in our opinion. Also it's a two CD set. Just something to consider.

Average customer rating:

Great Stuff
A Great Introduction to Italian Opera
Best of the best!
Fabulous bargain for anyone
Great songs for a low price.

The Best of Italian Opera

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

$6.99 and Under | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Most Famous Opera Duets
The #1 Opera Album
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!

ASIN: B000000UXN
Release Date: 1997-01-21

Tracks:

La Traviata: 'Libiamo, Libiamo'
Rigoletto: 'La donna e' Mobile'
The Barber Of Seville: 'Una voce poco fa'
La Boheme: 'Che gelida manina'
Rigoletto: 'Gualtier Malde!' Caro nome'
Il Trovatore: 'Vedi! le fosche'
Il Trovatore: 'Il balen del suo sorriso...Per me ora fatale'
TOSCA: 'Vissi d'arte'
La Traviata: 'Di Provenza il mar, il suol'
The Marriage Of Figaro: 'Voi che sapete'
Aida: 'Se quel guerrier io fossi...Celeste Aida'
Madama Butterfly: 'Un bel di vedremo'
La Gioconda: 'Cielo e mar'
Lucia di Lammernoor: 'Ardon gl' incesi'

Customer Reviews:

Great Stuff.......2007-07-22

The sound quality of this disc is surprisingly good, very good for an ADD. All the selections captured each singer in his/her top form. It is a real treat that this disc contains many work that were not normally in certain singer's repertoire. Gedda's Aida, Moffo's Rossini-Rosina and Cherobino, for example, all were superbly sung. Even Moffo's Lucia sounds much better than I have ever heard in other places.

A Great Introduction to Italian Opera.......2005-05-01

The artists on this CD succeed in their goal to create a CD that displays great Italian opera. Carlo del Monte and Victoria de los Angeles open the disc with the Brindisi from La Traviata. Victoria de los Angeles is not the best Violetta, but she does the job, along with her parner Carlo del Monte, an underappreciated tenor. Victoria de los Angeles also appears on the CD in "Un bel di vedremo" from Madama Butterfly, a role she was well known for. Swedish tenor Nicolai Gedda appears on the disc twice. His first appearence is a superb rendition of "La donna e mobile" from Rigoletto. His final performance on this disc is in the heroric aria "Celeste Aida", a performance in a role that was not in his voice range. Anna Moffo is the star on this CD, appearing three times in three very different roles. First is her beautiful "Una voce poco fa", normally a role that calls for a mezzo-soprano. Her second is "Voi che sapete" from Le Nozze di Figaro, another mezzo-soprano role. Her final appearence is her best, "The Mad Scene" from Lucia di Lammermoor. Underrated tenor Giuseppe Campora performs "Che gelida manina" with a great tenor voice. Soprano Reri Girst is excellent in her performance of "Caro nome" from Rigoletto. One of my favorite baritones appears on this CD. Robert Merrill is a perfect Count di Luna, and it is evident in his rendition of "Il balen del suo sorriso". Another baritone appears on this CD: mario Sereni. He is not a world famous baritone, but he should have been. Overall, this is an excellent introduction to the world of Italian opera.

Best of the best!.......2003-01-11

The performers, the selections, the quality... almost divine!

Fabulous bargain for anyone.......2002-11-24

I would recommend this CD to anyone, from opera novice to experienced listener...

These are older recordings -- I would guess mostly from the 1960's. The recording quality is exceptional for the day and, while not the equivalent of modern engineering, is sufficient to allow sheer physical pleasure from the music and an immediate appreciation of the vocal qualities of the artists. The sound quality is the only mild drawback...

The performances are magnificent! The voices are almost entirely lighter and more agile than the great voices of the 80's and 90's. In fact, the ear of the editor is apparent in his preference for lighter and more agile voices.

For example, there is a beautiful rendition of "Che Gelida Manina" from someone I had never heard before, Guiseppe Campora. He does not have the weight or volume of Pavarotti or Domingo, but has more elegance and a pure, charming tone. A connoisseur performance, but nevertheless a true operatic rendition by a tenor who can hit the high C with authority -- as good for a newcomer to opera who wants to hear the real thing, as for an opera lover who would like to hear something a bit different.

Some of the artists were among the most famous singers of their day: Moffo, de los Angeles, Gedda.

Anna Moffo, one of the greatest sopranos of her day (and all time), is in magnificent voice in famous blockbusters from Rossini's Barber of Seville, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro, and the Mad Scene from Lucia di Lammermoor.

De Los Angeles is at her best in "Libiamo" from La Traviata, but the recording quality (the one inadequately engineered track on the CD) and her lack of oomph make for a second-rate version of "Un bel di".

In keeping with the light and lyrical orientation of the selections, Moffo -- a famous Gilda and hardly a dramatic voice -- is bypassed for the even lighter, sweeter and more agile colatura Reri Grist (while she still had her voice), in a lovely "Caro Nome".

Another nice selection is Mario Sereni performing "Di provenza, il mar". Both this and "Libiamo" are taken from one of my favorite recordings of Traviata -- also a great chance to hear Serafin at the helm of the Rome Opera House orchestra. (The 2-CD version of this is still available from EMI, I think.) Newcomers will love this pretty tune, and Sereni's archtypal Verdi baritone is good, although hardly the best ever.

Franco Corelli has never been a favorite of mine, but he sounds the best I've ever heard him in his rendition of "Cielo et mar".

Anyway, I didn't intend to list every cut. Whether you are an opera lover who would like to hear some of opera's most famous arias performed in a new light, or an opera lover who would like to hear great performances at a cut-rate price, this CD gets my unqualified approval.

Great songs for a low price........2001-08-16

Ranging from selections of La Traviata, Il Trovatore and other popular Italian operas, this is a great cd for under four bucks. The singers may not be well recognized, but they do possess powerful voices.

Average customer rating:

Can't go wrong
Most Famous???
Only one song knew well
The Most Famous Opera Duets
Good selection of opera highlights

The Most Famous Opera Duets

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

French | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

German | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Ludwig, Christa | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Scotto, Renata | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music

4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Arias
The Best of Italian Opera
The #1 Opera Album
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

ASIN: B000002SCA
Release Date: 1994-04-12

Tracks:

Les Peurs des perles Act 1 - Au fond du temple saint
Madama Butterfly Act 1- Vogliatemi bene, un bene piccolino
Le Nozze di Figaro Act III - Sull'aria - Le Nozze di Figaro
La Traviata Act I - Un di, felice, eterea
Lucia Di Lammermoor Act I - Ah! Verranna a te sull'aure
Tristan und Isolde Act II - O sink hernieder, Nacht der Liebe
Carmen Act I - Parle-moi de m
Die ZauberflAct I - Bei Mern, welche Liebe F
Lakmct I - Viens, Mallika
Rigoletto Act I - il sol dell'anima
Der Rosenkavalier Act II - Mir ist die Ehre wilderfahren
Don Giovanni Act I - Li darem la mano
La Boh Act IV - O Mimi, tu pi torni
Il Trovatore Act IV - Miserere...Quel suon, quelle preci

Amazon.com

This is a misnomer--not all of these duets are all that famous--but it's a fine compilation nonetheless. You'll hear selections from Bizet's The Pearl Fishers (Nicolai Gedda and Ernest Blanc at their most elegant French), Madama Butterfly (Carlo Bergonzi and Renata Scotto--an impassioned pair), Lucia di Lammermoor (a classy Alfredo Kraus and Edita Gruberova), the lovely Lakme duet, The Presentation of the Silver Rose from Der Rosenkavalier (with the earnest Christa Ludwig and the other-worldly Teresa Stich-Randall), and a fine Trovatore "Miserere" (with Leontyne Price and Franco Bonisolli singing up a storm). There are many others, too--a veritable cornucopia of couplings--and a treat for the opera lover. --Robert Levine

Customer Reviews:

Can't go wrong.......2007-07-14

This is a really great CD for the price. It has many of the famous Arias on it and although the singers may not be the best out there they are certainly very good. This is cheaper than the price of a take away lunch; you can't go wrong with this CD.

Most Famous???.......2007-05-14

The title of this cd is misleading and I found myself wondering whose list did they use. That is not to say that there aren't some real treasures included here. The duet from Lakme is lovely in every way, Mady Mesple in particular, very beautful and very french, and far superior to Sutherlands hooty approach. Scotto and Bergonzi are superb, the Tristan and Isolde of Vickers and Dernesch truly other worldly, and the presentation of the rose duet with the young Ludwig and the astonishing Teresa Stich- Randell had me playing it over and over and I still can't believe it, but the most famous??? This cd is definitly worth buying, and I hated giving it only 3 stars but if you're talking most famous you could fill a couple of cd's with Puccini, not to mention Verdi, Mozart, etc. before Bizet's Les Pecheurs des perles, beautiful as it is, made the most famous list.

Only one song knew well.......2007-05-14

I should have done more research. The last song is the only one I could easily recognize. Live and learn.

The Most Famous Opera Duets.......2007-01-05

This seller truly makes a purchaser confident in the product as well the time in which is promised.

Thanks again!!!!!

Good selection of opera highlights.......2006-11-04

Super performances by famous opera artists of the 20th century, most of them no longer performing and some of them deceased. I enjoy having their voices available at home.

Average customer rating:

Iron Butterfly
Title track a classic; Give other songs a chance too!
one rockin' butterfly
2.5 Stars- Often boring, but it occasionally makes for interesting listening.
Criminally underrated

In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
Iron Butterfly
Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music

General | Rock | Styles | Music

General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Hard Rock | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music

Psychedelic Rock | Classic Rock | Styles | Music

Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music

Dynasty | Warner Brothers Records | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Steppenwolf: All Time Greatest Hits
The Very Best of Deep Purple
The Very Best of Cream
Ball
Light and Heavy: The Best of Iron Butterfly

ASIN: B0000033OB
Release Date: 1995-10-31

Tracks:

Most Anything You Want
Flowers And Beads
My Mirage
Termination
Are You Happy
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (Live Version)
In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida (Single Version)

Amazon.com

Iron Butterfly's 1968 album veritably defined the burgeoning genre of hard-rock, primarily by way of its utterly over-the-top title cut. Reportedly composed by keyboardist/lead singer Doug Ingle in such a stoned-out, numb-tongued condition that he couldn't properly pronounce its intended title--"In the Garden of Eden"--the track seemed almost a parody of every excessive inclination of psychedelia. Melodramatic vocals, repetitive riffing, aimless solos--you name it, this 17-minute behemoth had it. Aided by FM DJs who loved to program it in its entirety so they could take "legitimate" breaks, it became an unavoidable hit--and an anthem of its era. --Billy Altman

Customer Reviews:

Iron Butterfly.......2007-08-02

Brings back memories. The long version of In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida is worth listening to. The whole CD is good.

I remember the song In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida from the Air Force when I was in Vietnam. There was an F-100 at Tuy Hoa that had the name "Iron Butterfly" as its nose art - cool. It is a very good CD. I would recommend it to anyone who likes guitars and drums, or just good music.

Title track a classic; Give other songs a chance too!.......2007-07-29

This is one of my favorite 60s albums. It came out when I was too young to get into it when it was new, so maybe I approach it from a different angle than your average hippy-boomers do. There is no nostalgic charm in it for me, since it was slightly before my time, so I can take it on its own merits

Everyone knows innagaddadavida of course. I'll compliment it by saying it may be the only one of those long complete-side songs that were so "hip" in the late-60s and early 70s, that is not boring and that doesn't drag Some of the long stuff the German group CAN did also keeps up interest through the whole track, but most other rock n' roll bands didn't have the talent or imagination or the performing skills to sustain songs of such length. Just listen to the Doors or Cream to hear how anything over 4 minutes becomes soporific.

I bet most folks who got this album never even listened to side one. Give it a try. The songs aren't very good, taken just as songs; but the performance of the band puts them over because they really are good musicians. Of course, you might dump any song called "Flowers And Beads" without even listening to it, but even so silly an effort has some good stuff in it.

My particular favorite is "Are You Happy", which begins with the following lyrics:

"I met a pretty on a date last night
and let me tell you now she was groovy"

Before you groan, you know it has to get better from there. It does. The second half of the song features some killer playing on the part of the band, including my pick for the all-time #1 greatest R&R guitar solo. You begin to realize that Iron Butterfly was really a good group and not some dated joke from the hippy era.

This is one of my most listened to records. If you approach it with an open mind and don't just write it off as one-hit stuff, and give the lesser known side 1 cuts a chance, you'll get something good out of it. Iron Butterfly is almost unique in the annals of R&R music in knowing how to finish even a lousy song (like Flowers & Beads) with an imaginative ending (rather than just a fade-out). And to become convinced about the worth of this band, go, as I said, to "Are You Happy", skip to about 2:45 into the song and listen to the rest of it and tell me that maybe it ain't the best 2 minutes of R&R music to come out of the sixties!

one rockin' butterfly.......2007-06-23

Everyone knows the title song- it's a lengthy acid rock journey through all sorts of drug trips and wild musical passages. It's awesome. However, many people ignore the other five songs. What are they? They are short little psychedelic-tinged pop songs that are extremely melodic and JUST as good as the 18-minute title song. Seriously. I love them. These songs have been overlooked for WAY too many years. It's time to start accepting them for the melodic little gems they are. Great album overall.

2.5 Stars- Often boring, but it occasionally makes for interesting listening........2007-06-04

I suppose I should start with the title track: "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is emblematic of the acid rock (for lack of a better term) scene of the late 60s, thanks to its overarching ambition, musical theatrics, proto-hard-rock sensibilities, and sheer length. It has become something of an anthem of those heady times, and these days it's a pretty interesting period piece. It's also pretentious, overblown, excessive, and often boring. The lyrics are embarassingly dated in their faux-poetic psychedelic trappings, marked by forced mysticism and hackneyed drama. Meanwhile, the long instrumental section is hopelessly misguided, meandering through a series of unnecesary solos and building to a really boring climax. The legendary three-minute drum solo is passionless and drawn out, an uninspiring and utterly lame showcase of pointless pounding. The song does have its moments- there are some neatly acidic guitar solos and some cool electric organ. On top of that, the song's main riff is undeniably catchy, and the sheer droning repetition of the whole thing gives it a hazy, druggy, stoned-outta-this-universe atmosphere. All in all, "In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida" is a woozy, overlong, and acid-soaked, a dated period piece that's more novelty than entertainment.

The other five songs on this album are alright. They don't have the stoned-dumb appeal of the title track, but they do have their respectible musical moments. "Most Anything You Want" is a nice, soul influenced number, and "Flowers and Beads" is every bit as catchy as it is cheesy (and it's really, really cheesy). "My Mirage" isn't halfway as haunting and atmospheric as it attempts to be, but it has a nice brooding feel. All in all, the songs are virtual nonentities, but they can be entertaining at times.

With this album, we have an occasionally entertaining, charmingly dated, and somewhat interesting historical footnote. If you like the rock n roll of the late 60s, this might give you a few kicks. Just don't expect much.

Criminally underrated.......2007-05-17

Another band that led the formation of heavy metal, Iron Butterfly is just like the name in many ways. THere are many times on this record that are very ________ hard, yet some "butterfly" melodies float along. Of course, this also has the seventeen minute long title track. IF you don't know what the song is like, if you like The Simpsons, you just might. THe beggining of Bart Sells His Soul, the hymn Bart gave out was this song (by, as he wrote, I. Ron Butterfly), and yeah, it does run 17 minutes. But ________ no, it's not boring, or a _________ 17 minute technical showoff.

Iron Butterfly is pretty sweet. The title track is cool, it's the centerpiece. But ________ no, you can't forget the other five songs. You might think they are just a bunch of ________ B-sides, _____ no. A lot of cool songs are present, and that's the best I can give. Psychedelic at it's best, this is a psychedelic record, not Sgt. Pepper. You should listen to it with headphones if anything else. Think of their sounds as early Zeppelin, not has heavy, but with a lot of cool psychedelic effects and a keyboard that should remind you of The Doors. It's a little outdated and certainly cheesy at times, but that's okay. It sounds good.

It isn't a totally _________ groundbreaking life _________________ changing album, but very cool. Get the deluxe version because it's worth it just for remastering.

Average customer rating:

Opera for Aficianados as well as Newbies
superb!
beatiful music
Best Opera CD ever
Rapture

Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments

Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Deutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

The Most Famous Opera Duets
The Most Famous Opera Arias
The #1 Opera Album
The Best Opera Album in the World...Ever!
The Best of Italian Opera

ASIN: B00006L3K2
Release Date: 2002-10-08

Tracks:

Casta Diva - Renee Fleming
Barcarolle - Edita Gruberova
Ebben? Ne Andro Lontana - Maria Chiara
Intermezzo - Herbert Von Karajan
Letter Duet - Edith Mathis
Che Faro Senza Euridice - Grace Bumbry
Va Pensiero - Giuseppe Sinopoli
Una Furtiva Lagrima - Gosta Winbergh
Porgi Amor - Gundula Janowitz
Humming Chorus - Ambrosian Opera Chorus
Soave Sia Il Vento - Kiri Te Kanawa
Overture (Excerpt) - Philharmonia Orchestra
Un'aura Amorosa - Hans-Peter Blochwitz
Un Bel Di - Mirella Freni
Depuis Le Jour - Montserrat Caballe
La Ci Darem La Mano - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Quando Le Sere Al Placido - Placido Domingo
Mir Ist So Wunderbar - Lucia Popp

Tracks:

Flower Duet - Joan Sutherland
The Pearl Fishers Duet - Bryn Terfel
Lascia Ch'io Pianga - Kiri Te Kanawa
Prelude - Bayerisches Staatsorchestra
O Silver Moon - Renee Fleming
When I Am Laid In Earth - Tatiana Troyanos
Miserere - Placido Domingo
Vissi D'arte - Mirella Freni
Intermezzo - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Softly Awakes My Heart - Grace Bumbry
Ombra Mai Fu (Largo) - Bryn Terfel
Pilgrim's Chorus - Chorus Of The Bayreuth Festival
Ruhe Sanft - Kiri Te Kanawa
Flower Duet - Teresa Berganza
Entr'acte - Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra
Mira O Norma - Marilyn Horne
Hochsten Heiles Wunder - Chorus Of The German Opera Berlin

Customer Reviews:

Opera for Aficianados as well as Newbies.......2007-06-11

If you are looking for peaceful, beautiful music this is for you. It is a delightful mix of some of opera's most memorable moments. Long time opera fans will be familiar with most of the arias and newcomers to opera will recognize music that has become identified with movies and commercials.

superb! .......2007-05-12

If you love wonderful operatic moments then this cd is a great buy for all of the wonderful and spectacular music on it. You get two cds for the price of one great opera cd, and all of the talented singers that were taken and put on these tracks do definate justice to all of the composers listed. A great cd to add to your collection especially if you are an aspiring singer or a student in music. Absolutely Fantastic!

beatiful music.......2007-02-23

former reviews are no exaggeration, this is the most beautiful music I have come across. I have many opera CDs but this is one I never tire of.
I listen to the CD everyday and it is always soothing, uplifting and inspiring. I wish I could find another as wonderful.

Best Opera CD ever.......2007-02-16

I have orderd plenty of classical CD's and DVD's on this webside.
Most were phantastish but this one is the best.
I listen so often to this CD that it should have grooves.
I never get tired of it.
I recommend this CD highly.
Roswitha

Rapture.......2007-01-24

Wonderous---Melodious----
This compilation of Opera's finest moments is positively wonderful!!!!Unquestionably the best buy I have made in Opera Music..No kidding,I have trays full of CDs covering every facet of Opera,but none as beautiful...A full 2 1/2 hours of the best of the best....Heavenly Moments says it ALL...I vote 6 stars!!!!!

Puccini: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert von Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Average customer rating:

Stick with the Plot
Callas, an over-rated soprano
It's a SHOCK!
Perhaps The Best Recorded "Madama Butterfly"
Perfection

Puccini: Madama Butterfly (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert von Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Manufacturer: EMI Classics
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Callas, Maria | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Blowout Box Sets | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

More Titles at Least 20% Off | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

All Classical Music Blowout | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music

Opera & Vocal | Classical Music Blowout | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Bizet: Carmen (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Nicolai Gedda, Georges Pretre, Paris Opera Orchestra
Puccini: La Boheme (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Anna Moffo, Antonino Votto, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Puccini: Tosca (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Tito Gobbi, Victor de Sabata, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan
Puccini - La Bohème / Freni, Pavarotti, Harwood, Ghiaurov, Karajan
Verdi: La Traviata (complete opera live 1955) with Maria Callas, Giuseppe di Stefano, Carlo Maria Giulini, Orchestra & Chorus of La Scala, Milan

ASIN: B000002RXX
Release Date: 1997-08-19

Tracks:

E Soffitto...E Pareti...
Questa E La Cameriera
Dovunque Al Mondo
Quale Smania Vi Prende!
Quanto Cielo!...Ancora Un Passo Or Via
Gran Ventura
L'Imperial Commissario
Vieni, Amor Mio!
Ieri Son Salita Tutta Sola
Ed Eccoci In Famiglia
Vieni La Sera
Bimba Dagli Occhi Pieni Di Malia
Vogliatemi Bene, Un Bene Piccolino
E Izaghi Ed Izanami
Un Bel Di Vedremo
C'e. Entrate
Non Lo Sapete Insomma

Tracks:

A Voi Pero Giurerei Fede Costante
Ora A Noi
E Questo? E Questo?
Che Tua Madre Dovra
Io Scendo Al Piano
Vespa! Rospo Maledetto!
Una Nave Da Guerra
Scuoti Quella Fronda Di Ciliegio
Or Vienmi Ad Adornar
Cora A Bocca Chiusa
Oh Eh! Oh Eh! Oh Eh!
Gia Il Sole!
Povera Butterfly!
Io So Che Alle Sue Pene
Addio, Fiorito Asil
Glielo Dirai?
Che Vuol Da Me?
Come Una Mosca Prigioniera
Con Onor Muore

Customer Reviews:

Stick with the Plot.......2007-02-09

Puccini.

Up there with Mozart when it comes to tearing the heart out of your soul.

Maria Callas - what a sexy women - no wonder that rich Greek fella courted her. She is a diamond, a truly wonderful opera singer. No, she is better than that. Maria Callas interprets the music into an emotional fury that extends passion and mundanity to their horizons.

Why buy Playboy when you can get the real deal right here. Smouldering femininity with knobs on. Simply the best.

Callas, an over-rated soprano.......2006-12-22

Nicolai Gedda as B.F Pinkerton is brilliant, a true showman in the role and a brilliant tenor full-stop. Callas on the other was not good at Cio-Cio San, in fact she was terrible.
It truly shows the difference between the two lead roles vocal technique and capability, in 'Vogliatemi bene', Gedda was brilliant note perfect and tone perfect, Callas was terrible she shrieked most of her way through the duet and sang a shrill top C at the end which compared with Gedda's masterful top C was a piece of dirt.
If you disagree listen the the track over and over again, see how shrill and whiney Callas's top C really is.

All over brilliant performance by Gedda, Callas was unworthy of such a great Pinkerton.

It's a SHOCK!.......2005-12-21

It's a SHOCK how Callas interpreted "Madama Butterfly" It's close to perfect. Must listen for opera lovers!

Perhaps The Best Recorded "Madama Butterfly".......2005-09-07

There are many "Butterfly" recordings out there that are excellent in their own right but this recording deserves a category of excellence all it's own. What almost looks like mis-casting on paper, Callas does an astonishing job with the title role, which she recorded months before singing a series in Chicago and never to touch the role again. This is really one of those recordings that should be considered an historical event in the history of recorded opera. The collaboration of all the principles with von Karajan shows a unique unity that hasn't been duplicated very often.

But there's Callas' Cio Cio San that is really the reason to consider this recording. Even her silences, such as when she notices Kate in the garden in the final scenes, speaks volumes. There's this incredible thread that she creates from her entrance to her death that is like nothing I've ever heard before in this role. Also her choice of tone is remarkable and characteristic of this most chameleon of artists. She transforms herself from child to woman during the love duet and really does not sing at full tilt until the heart rendering final scene. This is an amazing studio portrayal and like I said, absolutely historical.

Perfection.......2005-08-09

I purchased Madama Butterfly and Macbeth online a couple of years ago. I listened to Macbeth first and was astonished. Then I decided to listen to Butterfly. When I heard Butterfly's entrance (Ancora un passo or via) I wasn't sure if the woman singing was Callas. As she went on singing, I was shocked. I couldn't believe my ears that this was the same woman I just heard a few minutes back singing evil Lady Macbeth. It was like listening to another singer. The transformation of the voice was a work of art itself. Listen to the way she says MORTO. The other highlights of this masterwork are the love duet, her mastery singing of un bel di, and her bone chilling con onor moure.
This recording is an excellent example of her artistry. Maria Callas' ability to change the tone of her voice for the different roles she performed onstage and recordings was great achievement. This is one of the many reasons why I love her so much. She has helped me through some tough times in the past. Whenever I was in need of inspiration, Callas came to the rescue. Maria Callas is my idol and I am grateful and honored to be part of the Maria Callas experience.

Average customer rating:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!
It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite
Love it- great for weddings
Stellar album
**Superb**

Appalachia Waltz / Ma, Meyer, O'Connor

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Country | Styles | Music

General | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Contemporary | Bluegrass | Country | Styles | Music

Traditional Folk | Folk | Styles | Music

Classical Instrumental Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music

Appalachian Journey
Heartland: An Appalachian Anthology
Uncommon Ritual
Short Trip Home
The Telluride Sessions

ASIN: B000002C0Y
Release Date: 1996-09-24

Tracks:

The Green Groves of Erin - The Flowers Of Red Hill
Appalachia Waltz
Chief Sitting In The Rain
Mama
Butterfly's Day Out
Druid Fluid
First Impressions
Etienne Et Petunia
F.C.'s Jig
College Hornpipe
Pickles
Old Country Fairytale
Schizoozy
Star of the Country Down
Speed The Plow Medley
Fair Dancer Reel

Customer Reviews:

Welcome to "alternative" classical music!.......2007-02-19

It's wonderful to hear three such talented musicians put together a collection of non-classical music on revered instruments. This is not "The Yo-yo Ma Show" with two other guys! The music is varied but the performances are great and -- in some cases, e.g. Appalachia Waltz -- fantastic. I was driving the first time I heard the title piece and immediately started sobbing and had to pull over; it was that beautiful! This would be a good CD choice for children to listen to, as it gives a fine exposure to the amazing sounds that the three instruments can make when in the right hands.

It's Yo-Yo so it's Exquisite.......2007-02-12

Yo-yo Ma has never been content to stick with the standard cello classics. Of course he has recorded the classics - the magnificent Bach Cello Suites (incredible and the visual DVD only enhances the effect), Vivaldi, Beethoven, Faure, Dvorak, etc. His evolution as an artist is an on-going process, thus there's Yo-Yo playing Tango (Astor Piazzolla), Yo-Yo playing Jazz (Claude Boling), Yo-yo playing Brazilian music or John Williams. And now we have the Apalachia Waltz, a beautiful, virtuoso and haunting piece.
I, too, found many of the sounds unique. For a real experience, listen in a darkened room with a pair of superior earphones - the things you pick up will shock. I literally turned my head several times, convinced that the artist was in the room.

As one reviewer noted, this is not supposed to be the rustic sound one might imagine or (the reverse) simply an intellectual exercise. The artist (with able assistance) seems to draw on some kind of inner reserve and literally pour his soul into his newest project. I, for one, applaud this widening of the boundaries between genres and hope that it continues.
Let's not forget the other artists, particularly Meyer. Many times the celebrity saps all the attention leaving a wake of sore feeling in their wake. Ma has always been one to give credit where credit is due and in this case it is due to those who ably assisted him. My grade - A

Love it- great for weddings.......2007-01-24

I used this and Appalachian Journey for my wedding music. I used Track 2 (Appalachian Waltz) as my entry music. The rest I just had playing on a cd player as background music while my guests were waiting on me. It was perfect for our outdoor Fall wedding. Hearing track 2 always brings the memory of our beautiful day flooding back.

Stellar album.......2006-11-10

This disc is top-notch in all respects. The playing is great by Ma and O'Conner for sure, but the bass work is awesome. Meyer is as good a player as there is in the world at the present time in my opinion. I am a cellist and bassist and find it difficult to believe that some of the things he does are possible. If you like top quality string playing, order this album today.

**Superb**.......2006-07-19

I absolutely love this album -- the music resonates with one's soul. Even if you don't have a cello fetish as I, you can't go wrong with this album. It offers a wonderful range from adagio to allegro.....A true musical feast. I especially enjoy Butterfly's Day Out and First Impressions. Dolce...

Average customer rating:

Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh"
Fantastic!
HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND
"Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!
Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality

The Ultimate Puccini Collection
Giacomo Puccini , Herbert von Karajan , Riccardo Chailly , Stephen Barlow , Tullio Serafin , Lorin Maazel , Sir Edward Downes , Giuseppe Patane , Zubin Mehta , Alberto Erede , John Mauceri , Plácido Domingo , José Carreras , Kiri Te Kanawa , John Alldis Choir , Luciano Pavarotti , London Philharmonic Orchestra , Bologna Community Theater Orchestra , Ettore Bastianini , Carlo Bergonzi , Renato Cesari , Fernando Corena , Cesare Siepi , Renata Tebaldi , Gianna D'Angelo , Saint Cecilia Academy Orchestra , Franco Corelli , Alfredo Mariotti , Regine Crespin , Royal Opera House Orchestra Covent Garden , London Symphony Orchestra , Maggio Musicale Fiorentino Orchestra , Rome Opera House Orchestra , Pilar Lorengar , Berlin Philharmonic Brass Ensemble , Mirella Freni , Rolando Panerai , Jussi Bjorling , Leontyne Price , and Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Modern & 20th Century | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Caballe, Montserrat | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Crespin, Regine | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Freni, Mirella | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Gheorghiu, Angela | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Nilsson, Birgit | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Price, Leontyne | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Sutherland, Joan | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Te Kanawa, Kiri | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Essential Verdi
Nessun Dorma ~ 20 Great Tenor Arias / Pavarotti, Carreras, Domingo, Bergonzi, Aragall, Björling, Di Stefano, Kollo, Corelli, Del Monaco...
Puccini Without Words
Puccini: Great Opera Arias
The #1 Opera Album

ASIN: B000007OU1
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

Turnadot: Nessun Dorma!
Gianni Schicchi: O Mio Babbino Caro
Manon Lescaut: Donna Non Vidi Mai
La Boheme: Musetta's Waltz Song
Tosca: Recondita Armonia
Madame Butterfly: Un Bel Di
TOSCA: E Lucevan Le Stelle
La rondine: Il Sogno Di Doretta
La Boheme: Che Gelida Manina
La Boheme: Si, Mi Chiamano Mini
La Boheme: O Soave Fanciulla - Love Duet, Act I
Ch'ella mi creda libero
TOSCA: Ah, Quegli Occhi...Qual'occhio Al Mondo - Love Duet, Act I
TOSCA: Vissi D'Arte
Madame Butterfly: Vogliatemi Bene - Love Duet, Act I
La Boheme: Donde Lieta Usci
Turandot: Signore, Ascolta!
Turandot: In Questa Reggia

Amazon.com essential recording

Ordinarily, it pays to be wary of collections such as these, which often promise a lot but deliver a mishmash of disconnected excerpts. This disc, however, is something of an exception: you really do get just about all of Puccini's best arias, which is possible, because he didn't write so many operas that choosing the best moments becomes a matter of the producer's personal taste. Also, Puccini's operas are so popular that every major label has excellent complete recordings of all of them, so in making this compilation it was possible to cast from strength: all the singers here are fine. In fact, the only proviso that needs to be made before you rush out and add this disc to your collection is that it's wrong to assume that all of Puccini's best tunes lie in his arias. The opening 10 minutes of any one of his operas will tell you that's not true. So by all means enjoy this disc--then start sampling the operas complete. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

Correction to the entry by "sergiocqh".......2005-11-08

"Quando m'en vo" is not omitted from this CD; it is just called "Musetta's waltz song." It is the same aria.

Fantastic!.......2003-10-14

This is one of the first opera CDs I ever got. It's wonderful for just about any body;from the newbies like me or the opera fanatics. I especially like 'In Questa Reggia'. Buy it now!!

HATE OPERA? THIS ONE WILL CHANGE YOUR MIND.......2003-09-04

The Ultimate Puccini Collection features some of Puccini's most arias and will appeal to even the most ardent operaphobes.

A great listening experience featuring some of the greatest opera performers of all time.

"Ultimate" only if you like your opera "al fresco"!.......2002-06-13

The music is without question, among the most beautiful ever written. But the quality of the fidelity tells me that many of the selections were recorded live in concert in outdoor venues. I wish that was clear to me before I bought the disc. So, is the music the ultimate? YES! Is the recording the ultimate? NO!

Wonderful Performance but Average Recording Quality.......2002-02-18

I love opera! I love Puccini! Not only is the vocalism important to me, but the quality of the recording as well. I enjoy my hi-tech sound system. I like to feel as if I am sitting in the front row of the first balcony when I listen to opera. This CD is excellent! The vocalists were well chosen. The technical performances are eloquent and emotional, as Puccini should be. However, the quality of the recording is not very good. No matter how you adjust your sound system, the recording is a bit tinny and as a result, the emotional high points of the arias are not as vibrant as they could be if the recording were of better quality. I would recommend this CD to anyone who loves Puccini and who is not as finicky as I!