VA - Divos & Divas (2009)

Yes, this is a collection of bits and pieces of operas and songs that have previously been recorded, so if a new release of favorite arias is expected this is not the set. Having said that, there are few 'Collections' of excerpts form as luminous as gathering of contemporary singers as this delightful, very pleasing sampling. Some of the works have been taken form other CD recitals and some have been lifted from opera recordings, but that is of little concern when the listener wants to simply sit back and enjoy the little jewels of favorites offered here by the Divos Juan Diego Flórez, Plácido Domingo, Bryn Terfel (who steps off the opera stage onto the musical theater stage), Jonas Kaufmann, José Carreras, Joseph Calleja, Erwin Schrott, and Roberto Alanga. 'Morgenlich Leuchtend' from Meistersinger as sung by Jonas Kaufmann alone is worth the first disc!
Disc two is devoted to Divas - and what a lineup this is! Cecilia Bartoli, Renée Fleming (with her inimitable Rusalka aria), Danielle de Niese, Angela Gheorghiu, Montserrat Caballé, Anna Netrebko, Nicole Cabell, Olga Borodina, and Kiri Te Kanawa comprise a brilliant lineup. (Oddly, Sophie von Otter is listed on the cover but does not appear) Yes, there are many great singers not included in either the Divo or the Diva set, but perhaps that means another collection is on its way from Decca Records. Unique idea this is not, but a finer set of singers singing some of their greatest roles it is!