Essential 2000s opera

The best Opera albums of the 2000s.

Where to start with 2000–2009 opera — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

Top of the 2000s — opera

Top picks from 2000–2009, ranked by where we would start.

Pasión Española

Plácido Domingo

Pasión Española

A vibrant fusion of traditional Spanish melodies with Domingo's powerful operatic vocals, celebrating cultural and emotional depth.

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Sangam: Michael Nyman Meets Indian Masters

Michael Nyman

Sangam: Michael Nyman Meets Indian Masters

A serene fusion of Western classical motifs and Indian traditional music, weaving intricate textures into meditative soundscapes.

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The Piano Sings

Michael Nyman

The Piano Sings

A hauntingly intimate collection of minimalist piano compositions that evoke deep emotional landscapes and cinematic memories.

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Pavarotti Forever

Luciano Pavarotti

Pavarotti Forever

An exquisite collection of timeless arias and popular Neapolitan songs showcasing Pavarotti's soaring tenor and emotive delivery.

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The Ultimate Collection

Luciano Pavarotti

The Ultimate Collection

A sweeping collection of operatic masterpieces showcasing Pavarotti's unmatched vocal prowess and emotional depth across timeless classics.

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Verdi

Andrea Bocelli

Verdi

A stunning showcase of operatic mastery, combining rich vocals with dramatic orchestration across Verdi's most celebrated arias.

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Andrea

Andrea Bocelli

Andrea

A sweeping blend of classical melodies and contemporary pop, showcasing Bocelli's powerful tenor in lush arrangements.

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Alone: Ballads for Solo Piano

André Previn

Alone: Ballads for Solo Piano

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Second Nature

Katherine Jenkins

Second Nature

A lush blend of operatic vocals and classical arrangements that bridge traditional and contemporary styles.

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Kiri Sings Karl

Kiri Te Kanawa

Kiri Sings Karl

A lush blend of operatic vocals and world music influences creates a vibrant, transcendent listening experience.

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Beyond Quantum

Anthony Braxton

Beyond Quantum

A daring exploration of free jazz, blending structured improvisation with avant-garde textures and intricate rhythmic patterns.

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Two Compositions (Trio) 1998

Anthony Braxton

Two Compositions (Trio) 1998

A sprawling exploration of avant-garde jazz, blending complex structures with spontaneous improvisation across extended compositions.

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Wandering Moon

Terence Blanchard

Wandering Moon

A lush tapestry of jazz interwoven with operatic influences, showcasing intricate melodies and emotive improvisation.

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Bounce

Terence Blanchard

Bounce

A vibrant fusion of hard bop and cinematic jazz that pulses with rhythmic energy and emotional depth.

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Sacred Arias

Katherine Jenkins

Sacred Arias

A lush blend of classical and contemporary vocals that elevates sacred texts into transcendent experiences.

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Love Sublime

Renée Fleming

Love Sublime

This album showcases the versatility of Renée Fleming's voice, featuring a selection of arias that illustrate her command over emotional expression. It provides a well-rounded experience that invites listeners to explore the depth of her talent.

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Haunted Heart

Renée Fleming

Haunted Heart

A lush blend of classical and contemporary standards, showcasing emotive vocals that bridge genres with elegance.

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Spirit of the Season

Sissel Kyrkjebø

Spirit of the Season

'Spirit of the Season' encapsulates Sissel's classical crossover approach beautifully, balancing her technical prowess with emotional depth. Its thematic focus on the seasons enhances the listening experience, drawing you into her world seamlessly.

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All Good Things

Sissel Kyrkjebø

All Good Things

Ethereal vocals intertwine with lush orchestrations, creating a dreamlike soundscape that bridges classical and contemporary pop sensibilities.

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For the Stars

Anne Sofie von Otter

For the Stars

A lush blend of operatic vocals and introspective songwriting creates an ethereal soundscape that transcends traditional genres.

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I Let The Music Speak

Anne Sofie von Otter

I Let The Music Speak

A haunting blend of classical and pop sensibilities, inviting listeners into a world of introspective emotion and lyrical depth.

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Beginnings

Meredith Monk

Beginnings

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Let Yourself Go

Kristin Chenoweth

Let Yourself Go

A vibrant showcase of vocal prowess blending jazz standards with theatrical flair, inviting listeners to revel in the joy of music.

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A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

Kristin Chenoweth

A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas

A vibrant collection of Christmas classics infused with jazz and pop sensibilities, showcasing Chenoweth's theatrical vocal prowess.

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