The magnificent world of vocal artistry: a special feature on popular vocal works from opera to art songs.

“Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore” from the opera ToscaGiacomo Antonio Domenico Michele Secondo Maria Puccini

Angela Gheorghiu – Puccini – Tosca – ‘Vissi d’arte’

“Vissi d’arte, vissi d’amore: I Lived for Art, I Lived for Love” by Angela Gheorghiu, a Romanian soprano and one of the greatest divas of our time, is an aria from Puccini’s opera Tosca and is among the world’s finest soprano arias.

From the opera ‘The World of the Moon’: ‘People have discretion.’Georg Friedrich Händel

Patricia Petibon – Ragion nell’alma siede – Haydn (Official Video)

Patricia Petibon, a French coloratura soprano, is an artist of remarkable versatility in both acting and singing, whose talent was discovered by William Christie, founder of the period-instrument ensemble Les Arts Florissants.

The famous aria “Ragion nell’alma siede” from Haydn’s opera Il mondo della luna is a piece that showcases Petibon’s allure as a specialist in Baroque opera.

The Promised LandUematsu Nobuo

The Promised Land

This piece is notable for its sacred, hymn-like chorus.

The composer is Nobuo Uematsu, world-renowned as a master of video game music, and he has crafted it into a solemn, chorale-style work.

The Latin lyrics seem to convey fundamental questions—why humans bear sin and suffer, and where life returns—as well as sorrow toward an inescapable fate.

The track is included on the soundtrack FINAL FANTASY VII ADVENT CHILDREN, released in September 2005.

In the film, it is used as an insert song during a moving scene in which the characters ascend to the heavens.

It’s recommended for nights when you want to quietly immerse yourself in a grand, epic world.

Ombra mai fuGeorg Friedrich Händel

Ombra Mai Fu Cécilia Bartoli

The aria “Ombra mai fu” from Handel’s opera Serse—often performed as an instrumental piece under the title “Largo”—is a famous work whose graceful melody is filled with tenderness and brings calm to the heart.

Although it was originally written for a castrato, today it is sung as a repertoire piece by many sopranos.

Ave MariaGiulio Caccini

Ave Maria (In the Style of Giulio Caccini)

Giulio Caccini’s (1545–1618) Ave Maria, Schubert’s Ave Maria, and Gounod’s (Bach’s) Ave Maria are famous as the world’s three great Ave Marias.

However, the truth is that Caccini’s Ave Maria was actually composed by the Soviet musician Vladimir Vavilov (1925–1973).

Oratorio “The Kingdom of God,” Op. 51Edward Elgar

Elgar: The Kingdom, Op. 51 (with Score)

This is a solemn oratorio by the British composer Edward Elgar, also known for works such as “Pomp and Circumstance.” Premiered in October 1906 under the composer’s own baton, the piece draws on the Acts of the Apostles, portraying the disciples’ prayers and labors through music.

Rather than operatic dramatics, it is characterized by an overall atmosphere that is contemplative and suffused with prayer.

In the scene of the descent of the Holy Spirit, the chorus and orchestra merge to create an overwhelming sonic space, while the Virgin Mary’s aria offers a radiant, beautiful melody that resonates deeply in the heart.

Enveloped in grand harmonies, it is an ideal work for quietly turning inward and reflecting on oneself.

Waltz “Voices of Spring” with solo voiceJohann Strauss II

Strauss – Kathleen Battle – Frühlingsstimmen – Voices of Spring

The brilliantly festive and joy-filled piece Frühlingsstimmen (Voices of Spring) is a world-famous vocal waltz composed by Johann Strauss II, inspired when his close friend, the great pianist Franz Liszt, was playing an improvised piano duet with the hostess at a party in Budapest, Hungary.