The best Opera albums
of the 2010s.
Where to start with 2010–2019 opera — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top of the 2010s — opera
Top picks from 2010–2019, ranked by where we would start.
Plácido Domingo
Songs
A lush collection of romantic ballads showcasing Domingo's rich tenor through timeless melodies and emotive interpretations.
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Andrea Bocelli
Passione
A lush blend of romantic ballads and classic standards, showcasing Bocelli's soaring tenor against rich orchestral arrangements.
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Andrea Bocelli
Concerto: One Night in Central Park
A sweeping orchestral celebration of operatic classics, blending heartfelt emotion with Bocelli's soaring tenor voice.
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Philip Glass
Tara Hugo Sings Philip Glass
A haunting blend of minimalist melodies and emotionally charged vocals, evoking a sense of introspection and connection.
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Plácido Domingo
My Christmas
A lush blend of classical and holiday music, featuring Domingo's rich tenor voice wrapped in orchestral arrangements.
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Katherine Jenkins
Home Sweet Home
A lush blend of operatic vocals and classical arrangements reinterpreting timeless songs with emotional depth and expansive orchestration.
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Terence Blanchard
Magnetic
A vibrant blend of jazz and orchestral textures, weaving intricate melodies with expansive improvisations that invite deep emotional exploration.
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Terence Blanchard
Breathless
'Breathless' showcases Blanchard's ability to merge genres while maintaining the heart of jazz. The album features beautifully arranged pieces that represent his vibrant style and lyrical depth, making it a well-rounded introduction to his work.
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Wolfgang Rihm
Et Lux
A haunting exploration of light and shadow, blending ethereal choral harmonies with intricate string arrangements.
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Anthony Braxton
19 Standards (Quartet) 2003
A labyrinthine exploration of jazz standards, blending improvisation with meticulous arrangement that transcends traditional boundaries.
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Katherine Jenkins
Daydream
A lush blend of classical and contemporary melodies, showcasing emotive vocals and orchestral arrangements that create an ethereal atmosphere.
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Renée Fleming
Distant Light
A sublime blend of classical and contemporary, weaving lush orchestrations with haunting vocals that transport listeners through time and emotion.
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Sissel Kyrkjebø
Til deg
A serene blend of operatic vocals and traditional folk melodies envelops listeners in a warm, reflective soundscape.
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Kristin Chenoweth
The Art of Elegance
A lush orchestral backdrop supports Chenoweth's soaring vocals, blending classic jazz standards with a contemporary elegance.
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Kristin Chenoweth
For the Girls
This album encapsulates Chenoweth's ability to traverse various genres while maintaining her unique voice. It's a cohesive collection that balances her theatrical background with modern sensibilities, providing a well-rounded experience for newcomers.
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James MacMillan
The Lost Songs of St Kilda
A haunting blend of operatic vocals and minimalist instrumentation evokes the rugged beauty and isolation of the St Kilda archipelago.
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Meredith Monk
Songs of Ascension
A meditative exploration of voice and sound, weaving intricate textures that evoke the passage of time and the cycles of nature.
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Nico Muhly
Planetarium
'Planetarium' represents a culmination of Muhly's exploration within contemporary classical music, featuring interlocking rhythms and atmospheric shifts. It's an album that balances accessibility with depth, making it ideal for first-time listeners.
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Malena Ernman
Santa Lucia – En klassisk jul
A serene blend of classical and traditional holiday music, showcasing rich vocals and orchestral arrangements that evoke a festive spirit.
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Malena Ernman
I decembertid
A lush blend of classical vocals and traditional holiday melodies, evoking warmth and nostalgia throughout the winter season.
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Chris Mann
Roads
A blend of classical and contemporary pop, infused with emotive vocals and lush orchestral arrangements.
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John Lunn
Downton Abbey: The Ultimate Collection
A lush orchestral tapestry weaves together poignant themes that evoke the grandeur and intimacy of early 20th-century British life.
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John Lunn
Downton Abbey: Original Music from the Television Series
Orchestral elegance unfolds through sweeping melodies and intimate motifs, capturing the drama and romance of early 20th-century England.
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Luciano Pavarotti
Pavarotti: The 50 Greatest Tracks
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