From the exquisite phrasing of the opening orchestra, this recording establishes itself as the standard by which all others should be measured. Herbert von Karajan's orchestra is no less than perfect, as much a virtuostic performer as the singers, evoking each moment's unique mood. Can there be any doubt that Luciano Pavarotti and Mirella Freni were born to sing Puccini? Their sweet, creamy voices ...

Manufacturer: Decca

Manufacturer: Ricordi

Manufacturer: Walt Disney

This album, which catapulted Polish composer Henryk Górecki to into the international spotlight, takes texts born in pain and turns them into statements of affirmation through the use of music that ebbs and flows in mystic minimalism. The clear voice of soprano Dawn Upshaw, singing the Polish texts, is a large part of the success of this particular recording, but the music, contemporary without ...

Manufacturer: Nonesuch

Manufacturer: Saydisc

Manufacturer: Coro

Manufacturer: Double Decca

Manufacturer: Philips

Pure is presented as 16-year-old New Zealand singer Hayley Westenra's first album, though it follows a chart-topping eponymous debut and follow-up Christmas disc, My Gift to You. Pure is still Hayley's first UK release, and capitalises on a rapid move into the international limelight following a duet with Russell Watson as part of his 2002 tour, now preserved on DVD as ...

Manufacturer: Universal Classics

Because he's long been stereotyped by the rousing neo-romantic adventure scores for the Star Wars, Indiana Jones, and Jurassic Park franchises, it's easy to forget that composer John Williams is hardly idiomatically challenged. When Steven Spielberg gratifyingly used the clout of his enormous commercial success to produce and direct this brave Holocaust drama, his long-time musical ...

Manufacturer: MCA Records