The albums that define
opera.
Our picks for where to start with opera — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top opera artists
Start with one of these.
The opera essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Donald Swann
Poems and Songs of Middle Earth
A whimsical blend of folk melodies and operatic vocals that bring Tolkien's verses to life.
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Michael Nyman
Decay Music
A minimalist exploration of rhythm and decay, merging avant-garde composition with sustained sonic textures.
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Michael Nyman
Mozart 252
A contemporary homage blending operatic textures with minimalist motifs, evoking both nostalgia and innovation.
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Andrea Bocelli
A Family Christmas
A warm and inviting blend of classic carols and festive originals, delivered with Bocelli's signature operatic grandeur.
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Andrea Bocelli
Duets (30th Anniversary)
A sumptuous blend of classical and contemporary duets highlighting Bocelli's operatic prowess alongside diverse collaborators.
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Sissel Kyrkjebø
Spirit of the Season
A serene blend of classical and folk elements, showcasing angelic vocals that evoke the spirit of the holiday season.
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Sissel Kyrkjebø
All Good Things
Ethereal vocals glide over lush orchestral arrangements, merging classical and contemporary pop sensibilities.
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Anthony Braxton
Zurich Concerts
A sprawling, avant-garde jazz exploration that melds structured composition with spontaneous improvisation.
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Anthony Braxton
Trio (London) 1993
An avant-garde jazz exploration that melds intricate interplay with spontaneous composition, challenging traditional structures.
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Luciano Pavarotti
Carreras Domingo Pavarotti in Concert
A triumphant showcase of operatic power, blending passionate vocals with orchestral grandeur.
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Luciano Pavarotti
Pavarotti & Friends for Guatemala and Kosovo
A vibrant fusion of classical and contemporary sounds featuring heartfelt performances from an array of global artists.
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Plácido Domingo
Perhaps Love
A lush blend of operatic fervor and pop sensibility, capturing the essence of romantic ballads.
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Plácido Domingo
My Christmas
A lush orchestral celebration of holiday classics, infused with Domingo's powerful operatic voice.
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André Previn
We Got Rhythm: A Gershwin Songbook
A lush blend of jazz and classical elements breathing new life into timeless Gershwin standards.
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André Previn
Shelly Manne & His Friends
A vibrant confluence of jazz improvisation and classical sophistication, showcasing exquisite musicianship and playful arrangements.
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Astor Piazzolla
The Rough Dancer and the Cyclical Night (Tango Apasionado)
A vibrant fusion of traditional tango rhythms and contemporary classical elements, evoking passion and drama.
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Astor Piazzolla
Tango: Zero Hour
A vibrant fusion of traditional tango rhythms with jazz and classical elements, redefining the genre's boundaries.
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Philip Glass
Solo Piano
A meditative exploration of minimalist textures, where repetitive motifs unravel into profound emotional landscapes.
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Philip Glass
Songs from Liquid Days
A vibrant fusion of minimalist motifs with lyrical storytelling, blending classical and modern sensibilities.
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Kristin Chenoweth
For the Girls
A lush tapestry of classic ballads, showcasing Chenoweth's soaring vocals and rich emotional resonance.
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Kristin Chenoweth
A Lovely Way to Spend Christmas
A cozy blend of classic holiday standards with Chenoweth's soaring vocals and heartfelt interpretations.
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Elliot Goldenthal
Titus
A sweeping orchestral and operatic score that encapsulates the grandeur and tragedy of Shakespeare's narrative.
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Elliot Goldenthal
Batman Forever – Original Motion Picture Score Album
A dynamic orchestral tapestry blending dramatic motifs with playful jazz elements, evoking Gotham's chaotic atmosphere.
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Meredith Monk
Dolmen Music
A haunting exploration of voice and sound, merging the ethereal with the deeply personal.
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