If asked to name the most popular recording by an opera singer during the past 50 years, the obvious answer is Luciano Pavarotti singing “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s “Turandot.”
Decca has just released three complete operas on Blu-ray Audio Discs (with no video content) and they all capture the great tenor in his prime during the early 1970s. Decca was Pavarotti’s label for his entire career, and it treats his work with the proper respect.
The sound quality is superb, and the entire package, which contains the full libretto with essays about each opera and Pavarotti’s career as well as photos taken at the sessions, is treasurable.
Luciano Pavarotti singing "Nessun Dorma" from Puccini's "Turandot" is likely the most popular recording by an opera singer. Courtesy of Decca Records
