Famous opera masterpieces | Featuring many great opera singers

Ombra mai fuAafje Heynis

Handel 'Serse' "Ombra mai fu" Aafje Heynis

From Act 1 of Handel’s Serse.

Although Serse itself is almost never performed today, this piece included in the Italian Art Songs collection—a kind of textbook for beginner vocalists—is very famous.

By convention, the melody of the final phrase of the recitative is altered.

My name is Mimi.Anna Moffo

Puccini La Bohème “Mi chiamano Mimì” Anna Moffo

Giacomo Puccini’s opera La bohème.

This piece is one of the most famous numbers from the opera, sung during Mimi’s self-introduction scene.

Set amid a story portraying the lives and loves of impoverished artists, the aria expresses the image of a pure-hearted woman.

Anna Moffo’s version comes from her 1957 debut at the Lyric Opera of Chicago.

Her crystalline voice beautifully captures Mimi’s delicate emotions.

It’s a great recommendation for opera newcomers—why not give it a listen?

Libiamo ne’ lieti calici / Drinking Song (Brindisi)Carlo Rizzi／Karuro Rittsi: shiki

Libiamo ne’ lieti calici – La Traviata – Arena di Verona 2011

This is one of the songs from the opera La Traviata, which depicts the love between Alfredo, a young man from a distinguished family, and Violetta, a high-class courtesan.

It is sung when the two meet for the first time at a party at Violetta’s home.

Though it sings of the thrill of love, its light, airy melody captures the lively atmosphere of the party, making it a heart-lifting piece.

I Gioielli della Madonna Intermezzo ~’The Jewels of the Madonna’ – Intermezzo~Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari

Wolf-Ferrari – Intermezzo [from Jewels of The Madonna]

Born in 1876, this is the Intermezzo from the tragedy I gioielli della Madonna by the Italian composer Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari.

This piece is the first intermezzo, performed before Act II, and it is the most renowned work among Ermanno Wolf-Ferrari’s compositions.

Dialogues des Carmélites de Poulenc – Les grands moments – Atelier d’opéra UdeMFrancis Poulenc

Dialogues des Carmélites de Poulenc – Les grands moments – Atelier d’opéra UdeM

Born in 1899, the French composer Francis Poulenc wrote the opera Dialogues of the Carmelites.

The opera is based on a true story about sixteen Carmelite nuns who were executed in 1794.

When it was staged in Paris and elsewhere, it quickly met with great acclaim.

Anja Silja – Janacek – Vec Makropoulos – Final part 1.wmvLeoš Janaček

Anja Silja – Janacek – Vec Makropoulos – Final part 1.wmv

This is Makropulos, the eighth opera by composer Janáček, based on the play The Makropulos Affair.

After seeing the stage play Makropulos, Janáček was determined to adapt it into an opera.

Although considered challenging due to its extensive dialogue, it became an excellent opera that combines passion with serenity.

O god of love, grant us peace.Maria Callas

Mozart “The Marriage of Figaro” “O god of love, grant us peace” Maria Callas

From Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, the Countess’s aria in Act II.

Sung by a lyric soprano, this aria is above all remarkable for its beautiful melody.

Particularly noteworthy is the introduction; Mozart’s rich harmonic writing is astonishing.

It’s also interesting that the story continues from The Barber of Seville.