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Title: Above-average compilation, with some enjoyable plus-factors
Review: Anybody buying this CD in expectation of standard performances of the standard arias is in for a surprise. Yes, the end of act one of "Boheme" which begins the CD, is the enjoyable experience it always is in the hands of Freni and the young Pavarotti. But you also have performances of some of the less-well-known arias, such as "Senza Mamma" from "Suor Angelica," and performances by singers under-represented on other discs, such as Italian tenor Bruno Prevedi and the talented Afro-American soprano Leona Mitchell. Plus, for the finale, you have "Nessun Dorma" sung by...Giuseppe DiStefano, in a solid performance recorded at the end of his career.In short, it may be the music (and that nice cover photo of the Met) that prompts you to buy this CD, but it's the performances that will keep you coming back for more.
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