Top 10 "Must Know" Opera Songs

This is just my selection of the top ten "must-know" opera songs for newcomers to the genre (or lovers of opera who want to listen to a couple of classics).
I've tried to be fair and spread the list across Italian, French and German pieces. You will also find arias (solo acts), duets (two person acts) and chorus numbers (featuring the full cast), although you will probably start to see a pattern with certain singers * cough * Pavarotti * cough* .
10. Una Furtiva Lagrima - from l'Elisir D'Amore - featuring Luciano Pavarotti (0.00)
9. Vide Cor Meum - from Hannibal - featuring Danielle Di Niese & Bruno Lazzaretti (4.48)
8. Un Bel Di Vedremo - from Madame Butterfly - featuring Maria Callas (8.40)
7. Duo des Fleurs (Flower Duet) - from Lakmé - featuring Sabine Devieilhe & Marianne Crebassa (13.20)
6. Libiamo, ne' lieti calici - from La Traviata - featuring Juan Diego Flórez & Diana Damrau (17.52)
5. La Donna è Mobile - from Rigoletto - featuring Luciano Pavarotti (21.01)
4. Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Queen of the Night Aria) - from Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) - featuring Diana Damrau (23.48)
3. Habanera - from Carmen - featuring Anna Caterina Antonacci (26.50)
2. Nessun Dorma - from Turandot - featuring Luciano Pavarotti (28.59)
1. O Mio Babbino Caro - from Gianni Schicchi - featuring Maria Callas (32.05)
To my fellow opera fans, please let me know if you think I've missed one (leave it in the comments below).
To my newcomers, welcome to the beautiful world of opera.
Which was your favourite?

[@HeberFerrazLeite]

I guess the first thing you must know is that opera "songs" are called "arias" ;-)

[@ianmacdonald6754]

@@baplummer7210 some people are so pedantic!

[@jonnyfrench19]

@@ianmacdonald6754 Nowt like a bit of pedantry; keeps us riff-raff on our toes!

[@zecamoraes5115]

Oh, please, don’t be so pedantic!

[@bobturnley2787]

Exactly. If you're going to talk about opera then talk about opera. An aria is not a song. A song is an individual composition unless it's part of a song cycle. An aria is an integral part of an opera.

[@lorifaye82]

Thanks. I didn't know that.

[@jfrakers]

My beloved husband introduced me to opera and I will be forever grateful to him. He died on March 26th, and I'm in tears listening to this. Thank you .

[@dawn3886]

May you be comforted, so sorry for your loss ❤

[@SeungGi-vx3ot]

💔

[@user-mu7xm8lf2o]

Сочувствую вам... наверное, ваш муж просто объелся груш ... Это судьба всех сладкоежек ! Учитесь на его ошибках...

[@SaraFaria16]

I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful way he left you for your both to connect. I am sure when you listen to this he is also listening and feeling it along side with you! MUCH LOVE TO YOU MY DEAR.

[@SaraFaria16]

Oh I am sorry didn´t notice the caption.. 😅

[@vincenttomeo1286]

Can't imagine a world without Music.

[@fassstEddie]

It was Tchaikovsky who once said, “Truly there would be reason to go mad were it not for music.”

[@iwanacarvalho3067]

And good music ! ❤️

[@tenoremodernotecnicavecchi2151]

Deaf people don’t have to

[@geograph1000]

Ask an atheist, apparently they know

[@_blank-_]

@@tenoremodernotecnicavecchi2151 They still feel rhythm ❤️

[@alexyoussoupoff888]

This is a great cross-section of Opera. I was taken against my will to the fabulous Maria Callas's farewell performance in London 1973. They couldn't get me to leave at the end. What an experience and a blessing. The best introduction to Opera possible.

[@SaraFaria16]

What a splendid luck you had! Forever changed, right?

[@avanii5887]

10. Una Furtiva Lagrima - from l'Elisir D'Amore - featuring Luciano Pavarotti (0:00) 9. Vide Cor Meum - from Hannibal - featuring Danielle Di Niese & Bruno Lazzaretti (4:48) 8. Un Bel Di Vedremo - from Madame Butterfly - featuring Maria Callas (8:40) 7. Duo des Fleurs (Flower Duet) - from Lakmé - featuring Sabine Devieilhe & Marianne Crebassa (13:20) 6. Libiamo, ne' lieti calici - from La Traviata - featuring Juan Diego Flórez & Diana Damrau (17:52) 5. La Donna è Mobile - from Rigoletto - featuring Luciano Pavarotti (21:01) 4. Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Queen of the Night Aria) - from Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) - featuring Diana Damrau (23:48) 3. Habanera - from Carmen - featuring Anna Caterina Antonacci (26:50) 2. Nessun Dorma - from Turandot - featuring Luciano Pavarotti (28:59) 1. O Mio Babbino Caro - from Gianni Schicchi - featuring Maria Callas (32:05) (Made it easier, so you just click the blue-marked time-stamps, and instantly go to the part you want.)

[@loganfenley5897]

Not all heroes wear capes! Thank you!

[@adaora1745]

Thank you ❤

[@elizabethf8078]

Vide cor Meum -- It was featured in Kingdom of Heaven (watch the Director's cut for best impact) before Hannibal...but regardless, it rips my heart out of my chest whenever I hear it. When I die I want this played at my memorial. Yikes.. that's kind of grim...lol

[@elizabethf8078]

Diana Damrau has great pitch and volume control, but her pronunciation and diction are atrocious. Many have done better.

[@goodchessactor]

Thanks, I was going to compile the list before I saw your's.

[@mradamhowell]

Pavarotti was a phenomenon wasn't he

[@scallops57]

My Mother who was a teacher, Taught English Lit, French, Math and Piano. Exposure to the arts such as Opera, classical music, Theatre Stage, playing an instrument and other aspects of culture was a prime directive in my household growing up. And she wanted all diversities to be able to have full access and the tools to experience it. She passed away some time ago. And now I fully appreciate and understand what she always wanted my sister and I to use as steppingstones in life.

[@mararozsa3756]

Keep what she tought you!

[@lindadann9202]

You are very lucky to have these lovingly provided gifts.

[@greenman6141]

The world badly needs more people who understood what your mother did.

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

I was 28 when i started to appreciate opera. My father was very influential to my appreciation of this fantastic music. He's gone 10 years and I love it more than ever! Thanks Dad! ❤

[@trog.lodyte]

My first foray into opera was the three tenors at about the same age, growing up in small rural towns in Canda with largely non-musically interested parents it took me a while to find I loved it. Sadly Opera as well as orchestral performance is waning, I definitely was born into the wrong era.

[@wolvie14]

I was introduced to opera by my mother who was listening to the Met oprta on radio as a youngster. I did not like it much. Later in life, in my mid 50’s , i became a fan of opera, of all styles, including the most modern ones

[@Zeppolino100]

My Dear Father especially loved the operas of Puccini. I started listening when I was about 10. Knowing my interest in art, he took me to see Tosca at about age 12. He passed away at age 72 in 1993. . .Can you imagine the thrill it was for me in 2012 to be visiting the Puccini Museum, located in the home where he composed most of the greatest arias. And who should be there that day, but Madame Puccini, his Granddaughter! In my rudimentary Italian I was able to say, "Mio Papa Sebastiano, tutto rispetto Puccini!!"

[@fernandogamboa565]

Dónde la puedo conseguir

[@donnat4650]

Same as for my Dad. He always said, his kids would not appreciate opera or classical music until he’s gone. Unfortunately, he was right. It’s nice to have that influence tho. Miss u Dad!

[@karlbraun9564]

RIP Luciano Pavarotti 1935-2007. The greatest tenor of all times.

[@richardharris8867]

Sorry - Jose Carreras

[@catherinekelly532]

Enrico Caruso?

[@jewelmarkess]

Franco Corelli? Mario del Monaco? Jussi Bjorling? @Richard Harris - Jose Carreras was excellent when young and was promising to be the next great tenor. But he wrecked his beautiful voice singing roles that weren't suited for his lyric voice. Of course, his illness didn't help either.

[@giovannibettini2246]

@@jewelmarkess i love how people say that pavarotti is the best no matter what, while there are better ones specially in heavier roles. I would add to your list the great giuseppe di stefano

[@jewelmarkess]

@@giovannibettini2246 Yes, very true. True about Giuseppe di Stefano as well. The funniest thing about people who say how Pavarotti was the greatest is that they often aren't even able to recognize his voice or rather when it's not him. There are a couple of "fake" videos here with Largo al Factotum sung by Sherrill Milnes in a couple of them and Tito Gobbi in one other - by now maybe more, fakes tend to multiply here. One would imagine that it should be obvious to anybody with hearing slightly better than that of a fish that Pavarotti's tenor voice was very different from these baritones. Nevertheless, there are zillion comments about how Pavarotti was the greatest. There are also fakes with Callas picture and her name in the title on some songs and arias sung by different singers with very different voices, yet there are people there saying how she was the greatest who cannot hear it's not her.

[@NicoleRorieSC]

I got to meet Pavarotti backstage in the costume room of the MET when my grandfather introduced me to him. I was 14 years old and completely in awe of his height and presence! ❤#opera #Pavarotti #NYC

[@d.m.webb-benjamin3576]

I'm so jealous :) What a memory!!

[@eveperkins2197]

I grew up in welsh valleys ,our home was filled with music---opera the favourite We had nothing ,but our home was filled with love, inspired by the music of arias being played on 78rpms. Wow that sound!!!!! Filled me with awe and appreciation for music Dad was tenor ,brother boy soprano me-----power like Bassey Neighbours genuinely loved our music days :) HAPPY DAYS AND TIMES

[@patricksevere8918]

I was but a child when my appreciation for this glorious music began! I'm now 64 years old and I can't get along without it!! It touches me like no other music!

[@aprilnorman5402]

I heard my first opera en utero, my parents would put the headphones on my moms belly. Now that they are both in heaven, I truly understand how tragically beautiful this genre of music is! Thank you mom and dad. RIP

[@irfatultahmidfahim3251]

hope you are doing okay sir..! stay safe.. and hopefully your parents are happy now in heaven ❣️

[@caroldelosangeles3621]

same here Amber, thats why we are so atach to opera!the neurociences showed it already! here my email to exchange , hugs from southamerica [e-mail] :)

[@withapulse2000]

Listening to this music and reading your post.....I will do the same. GOD BLESS

[@eveperkins2197]

Just incredible Callas at her best Makes me cry every time WOW !!!! JUST WOW!!!!!!

[@magdalenasteyn-durand4976]

I'm in bed with COVID-19. This has lifted my mood. Thank you.

[@herzmail4482]

Get well soon

[@Motormouth2112]

Stay positive, think happiness

[@marksadventures3889]

Get well soon and enjoy the music. I just got over it myself, i think it will take some time before my voice returns properly.

[@l.d.d.2062]

magdalena steyn-durand I'm in bed as well but not with Covid-19. Blessings and a complete recovery to you.

[@edwardcarberry1095]

Increase your Zinc and Vit-D! Look up Dr Vladimir Zelenko. Also Medcram which are Medical Lectures.

[@pixygiggles]

I love all types of music. It took me a little more than half my life to fully appreciate opera, not because I didn't like it but because I just didn't grow up with much opportunity to hear it. Well, other than on Bugs Bunny, lol. Now, I can honestly say that it is one of the purest forms of emotional expression that I've ever heard; and I dearly love it. Opera can take my breath away, make the hairs on my arms stand on goosebumps, move me to tears, and stir emotion within me like nothing else can. Just once in my life (preferably more), I would dearly love to see a live performance. Prima Donna, my gratitude to you for filling the last 34 minutes of my life with beauty. :)

[@rdwright6708]

I think kids should learn about opera the way I did. From a cross-dressing rabbit.

[@Habitatu]

Thank you for such a moving comment. I am also lately discovering the beauty of Opera at 35 years old. I grew up in a culturally spartan environment and I sometimes find the stimulation of the modern world overwhelming but I am glad to have discovered the beauty of Opera (and also medieval music:)))

[@rozkan3089]

We all sail in the same boat 🙂

[@davidchiu5968]

since my son began music lessons at young age, I follow his passion ever since.

[@Gitn2it]

I'm surprised that young people aren't getting exposed to opera in school. That was my first experience. I had a very good high school music teacher, Mr. Janna, who played all the great arias and got me hooked on the beauty of opera.

[@williampollard4759]

Well it’s taken almost 30 years, to find that mysterious beautiful piece, I once heard in a Honda Accord commercial. For over three decades, I have searched opera databases, and could never find the tune. But thanks to you I found it finally!! It’s name is Mio Babbino Caro Thank you ever so much!!

[@aanchal-annaleedeprince5525]

When I spend time in my bedroom depressed. I listen to Opera and it helps me imagine to as I am listen. I have always loved Opera since I have heard it for the first time and wish I could have known that world.

[@larrybenkovicgiese2123]

Hope you are well and feeling better, sometimes it takes time. Don't despair....stay with the music and God!

[@lisetterodriguez368]

I want the arts back, I want to go see the opera, the ballet... my soul is dying.., sob

[@ziggshiemerdinger8287]

you go and get the arts back in your life and your soul will revive. just give it a try. hugs and kisses to you.

[@lisetterodriguez368]

Ziggs Hiemerdinger, thank you.

[@peternicholson233]

The arts survive when society has spare money. Otherwise, join the queue. really good to listen to, this. thanks

[@ziggshiemerdinger8287]

@@lisetterodriguez368 Thank you Lisette you have manners and charm which in this age is art. Respect from a total stranger xxx

[@GCAT-zv9in]

You hang in there dear one. We are so lucky to have these KZbin selections. Enjoy the break and soon we will have something new...after all, this Covid stuff is the perfect backdrop for a nice new tragic , juicy and complex opera.. See you there.

[@lp6050]

Why is it that there exists music you never get tired of hearing over and over? Maybe it's this thing called ART?

[@ombrettalotti5283]

...that s called. ..having a soul that needs tobe filled with emotions Ombretta

[@tusharantil939]

You don't tired of breathing too,so is that also ART

[@violetsharp5787]

Yes, but it is also LIFE, which imitates art. Aesthetically pleasing to the soul. This is where the angels live (in arias).

[@janel342]

LP It’s FOOD for the soul . Our souls need to be uplifted. To exist on a higher plane than the banal everyday.

[@katiesethna]

Humming chorus from Madama Butterfly ! Puccini!

[@margaretsandeman1766]

My heart almost stopped when Callas sang the words" so as not to die at our first meeting ". The passion and power in her voice was phenomenal.

[@wolvie14]

In Quebec, we long had a radio program that reviewwed new classical ewcordings. They p,ayed an aria sung by Kathleen Battle. The voice was pitch perfect, each note technically flawlwss. And yet, it left me cold. The critic on the radio too. He the. Played the same aria sung by Maria Callad. The pitch was not àways perfect. But. I was moved to tears.., i would rather get a passionate, heatfelt remditiin than an unemotional, technically perfect one

[@Elrond184]

I feel exactly the same

[@sedoff1948]

The sublime Maria Callas.

[@kelliconlow5925]

And Luciano--there will never be another like him.

[@goldenbell8221]

When I hear opera songs, it feels like a song in heaven

[@shanewiseman2427]

I am live in the Caribbean we do not listen to opera music at all but as I am getting older I open myself up to every genre but opera music awakens something in me I go to bed every night listening to opera music it speaks to my spirit and soul I absolutely love it ......

[@wingedvenus]

My favorite is Madame Butterfly because her emotion pierces my heart.

[@MrSwifts31]

Did you know that Butterfly's child has a name? Dolore(Sorrow in English)

[@carmen9330]

Same...gets me in tears

[@wingedvenus]

@@MrSwifts31 No, I did not. Thank you

[@johngruen5274]

I'm 70 something with 5 kids and still I can barely make it through Madame Butterfly without a tear

[@Lara-fw3cr]

Im young opera singer and its my second year in music school and this arias make my heart full of happines and joy even if some of them are sad story💫,let the music go thru your heart let the music lead you to that magic land said my teacher to me every time when we are having some competition and she hug me tight ❤️‍🩹🎼 let this remind you that these little things in life like support is important and that music is really a joy

[@susimora62]

Every time I listen to Madama Butterfly last song I am breaking down into tears. For sure she says what an heart betrayed by destiny and sliced into pieces is feeling when giving up a life which becomes an heavy toll to bring about.

[@blaisegirl420]

This used to be pop/rock music and now it’s classic

[@afc358]

As a working class bloke brought up on the 'usual' music, my friends just can't understand my love for opera. I've seen all the greats at the Royal Opera House (I know someone who works there FREE TICKETS!!!!) This is a wonderful selection.

[@devhutimiddha3772]

Wowww jealous of u

[@philipolson4842]

This takes me back to the days when my local public radio hosted non english opera for three hours every weekend. No need to understand the words, the music is more than eloquent in communicating the moment.

[@tongolele12]

the radio broadcasts never stopped-- check this out and if u don't get it locally, radsio from anywhere cah no be heard well andy where- radiolocator.com; www.metopera.org/season/radio/saturday-matinee-broadcasts/

[@vectravi2008]

Exactly.... someone in British Airways publicity department realised that years ago

[@robertol.avitia7261]

Impossible not to cry listening and missing Pavarotti. I missed him so much, thank you very much for sharing.

[@heatherfisher8329]

All of us sing with Creator/ Agape.. lucky is with you always

[@catherinekelly532]

He was a Huge loss now wasn't he Sir?

[@micheleg.7892]

I regret so much never seeing Pavarotti perform live. I was just a kid and didn’t know or appreciate opera when he was touring with the three tenors, or even when he did his final performance. His voice came from heaven.

[@LILAC93052]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKSvlmh7q5eGi9E

[@joannedecarolis4613]

Nessun Dorma gets me every time!

[@noussaibajouwairia6865]

I love opera so much, it makes me feel a kind of safety and calm, and it makes my mind and soul fly above the clouds. It's an indescribable feeling 😍

[@farrah9748]

😮 well said 😊

[@emmaa245]

Exactly my feelings....the world would be a better place if more music like this was played in the radio ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😢😢😢😢😢😢😊😊😊😊😊😅😅😅😅😅

[@monicarosebloom5057]

Having this play in the background as I sit of my opened window in the evening, listening to the sound of the rain. It's a new different feeling of peace

[@alvaroduran2857]

Without music, I am dead. This gives me so much life. Thank you

[@jadebushell5623]

Hi, all the arias are gorgeous. I am familiar with all of them except the second aria. My dad loved opera and sang a lot of the arias. I heard it as a baby. When I was a teenager I was a big rolling stones fan. Saw them in concert in the Hague and also in Edmonton. When dad was off work, he blasted opera on his stereo and as a typical teenager I went out with my friends till 3 in the morning. Needless to say I tried to cover up my ears with my pillows to no avail lol. Nessum Dorma my dad sang effortlessly. My dad passed away on September 10, 2021. His death was atrocious as he became "useless," to her and wanted all that he possessed. She did not want to take care of him and hastened and abused my dad. She overdosed him with morphine and who knows, fentanyl. She did everything in her power to keep me away from dad. But God made sure on the day, a Sunday I saw him. I went into shock at his condition. I had my ex husband with me and he went into shock as well. He said the man lying there gasping for air didn't even look like my dad. He immediately said something is fishy here, she is hiding something. I wish I could hire a criminal lawyer. Dad is not the first elderly man who got victimized. My sister and I do not get any answers to where dad is. It's all kept secret by her. All this came out and I am sorry. I just have to. Feel helpless and hopeless since there is no justice. But dad left me something really precious; the beautiful world of Opera. His favorites are Maestro Luciano Pavarotti (hope I spelled correctly) and the unforgettable Maria Callas. As tragic as opera can be about love and loss, we also lost my brother Brian to cancer on July 6th, 2021. I picked up Opera on you tube but sobbed and could not finish listening to the songs my dad sang. But today it gives me joy and peace. Dad did a duet in Holland and I asked her if I could have it. But no. He also has all the old fashion records of Operas. Anyways I am now immersed in the music. If I could only sing like dad, that is all I ever wanted. However so grateful to have good hearing and the privilege to listen to the magnificent world of Opera. My dad's obituary is known with his name Gerardus Jansen in Olds AB. My brother name is Brian Sandy Jansen RIP. Thank you for sharing the 10 famous Arias.

[@mikewalsh5872]

I’m so sorry about your dad…..may the music and Almighty God comfort you until you see him again. God Bless….

[@jewellsmith7860]

So sorry about your Dad. When my son died suddenly, all I could listen to was Opera…Pavarotti is the most beautiful tenor ever..I only listen to His music and cry, but find great peace after hearing him. Wish I could have seen him just once.

[@londonlass1000]

My parents took me to the Royal Opera House in London to see Carmen when I was 12. I thought it was wonderful. Several years later I used to stand in the gods with my fellow student opera fans for 80p a time. I saw all the Verdi, Puccini and Mozart operas standing up and still love them. Everyone should have a chance to appreciate opera and it should be available to all.

[@jimkropf686]

Yes, many years ago the San Fransico Opera came to Los Angeles Shrine Audtorium during the summer. We spent our $50 yearly entertainment budget for cheap nosebleed seats,

[@DonFizzy2014]

Classical music is not the type that "calmly gets out of your way" when you want to work. Rather, it enhances the value of your work, and achievements. Thankful

[@prgunnels7679]

First exposure to opera was a Bugs Bunny cartoon. I'll never forget Elmer Fudd chasing Bugs and singing "Kill the Wabbit"!!

[@secretforreddit]

Bugs Bunny was my first introduction to opera, too! "Kill the Wabbit," and, of course, "Welcome to my shop, let me cut your mop, let me shave your crop, daiiiintily!"

[@andrewpippa5590]

My favorite is Duo des Fleurs. I get emotional whenever I hear it. So pure. Thank you.

[@mathilde1943]

When I lived in New York, I often walked to the performance at the Met and took the bus home. I did this for some ten years. Now I am back in my native Germany, and am delighted that the Met has live transmissions from New York to Bremerhaven in the Moviehouse. The Met was an experience every time, but live transmissions from New York, with so many close-ups, ist also just fabulous.

[@johanngambolputty8911]

Thank you for sharing such beautiful music. My aunt was a famous opera singer in Poland, Barbara Nieman, and her husband Stefan Rachoń, he was my favourite uncle, we spent a lot of summers together on Mazury, we were playing cards and listening to great music. I'm forever grateful to them for teaching me to appreciate the greatest sounds ever created.

[@danutagajewski3330]

My father heard Barbara Nieman live, singing Zofia in Halka...in Warsaw. He always cherished that performance. We shared a love of opera, and I was able to treat him to a live performance of my favourite tenor, Canada's Ben Heppner, not long before my father passed.

[@johanngambolputty8911]

​@@danutagajewski3330 Thank you for sharing, I'm so happy that my auntie's voice cherished your father, she is awesome, next time I will see her I will tell her about your dad.

[@robertwatson1742]

@@danutagajewski3330 thanks

[@robertwatson1742]

@@johanngambolputty8911 is thanks so

[@idowhatido1783]

Cap

[@m.e.w.4394]

Personally, I could listen to Luciano Pavarotti sing Nessun Dorma every. day. for the rest of my life & never get tired of hearing him sing that aria. It’s the perfect song for a man to sing about overcoming all obstacles to obtain a desired goal. That said, I could listen to him sing pretty much anything in opera & never tire of it. Also, he seemed to love & appreciate his fans. Miss him! Otherwise, all of these are excellent choices!

[@erichodge567]

Of course we miss him. But just think: we, among all generations, were given the opportunity to actually share this world with him for a short time. No one will ever be able to say that again, and that is no small thing.

[@littlebigjohn69]

madam butterfly always gets to me , the music is heartrenching and beautiful

[@DonFizzy2014]

And then I cried...felt the Italian vibe, heard Luciano's voice, and just couldn't help myself This is what a hurting world needs, thank God and these beautiful talents for some classical music relief

[@resounds]

all immortal arias, brilliantly performed by legendary opera singers. simply the best. Thank you for uploading this magical music. ☘💚

[@donwon199]

I'm no expert on opera music, But I feel Maria Callas singing Casta Diva (Bellini Norma act 1) should be here. This song is beautiful and always brings a tear to my eyes x

[@Rajj854]

My favourite Callas.

[@vasilislalos9609]

9

[@truecynic1270]

I grew up in a family of musicians, classical music lovers and above all, a deep appreciation and love of great opera. Madame Butterfly - oh how to comment for the most beautiful aria in the world.Thank you so very much

[@lilypartida3658]

Even though I don’t understand Italian, I feel the emotions. That’s the universal language of music.

[@iantpls]

As along term house music fan I have now embraced Opera. May be its age but this is truly inspirational and emotional. Magnificent.

[@LS-jh7lb]

I know nothing about Opera, but I enjoy listening ever so often. Thank you!

[@msaquablue2925]

Listening to "Una Frutiga Lagrima" and remembering it's So beautiful. How i miss the beautiful opera live everyone dressed up listening quietly. Can't help the tears from flowing.

[@DavidLeasure]

Nessun Dorma - and the story behind it -- very enjoyable.

[@permanja]

Thank you for sharing. Maria Callas voice is heartbreaking beautiful and unequalled 🙏

[@marckdan2508]

What a soul-wrencingly beautiful selection! I speak German fluently, and have taught myself Italian & French, so understanding the lyrics adds a special appreciation to the arias. What beautiful minds, to have composed such eternally beautiful melodies!

[@zmahmoud1454]

@marckdan2508 May I ask how did you teach yourself the other 2 languages? I am struggling in learning French on my own 🥲😔

[@zecamoraes5115]

@@zmahmoud1454 , I believe French is harder than the other Latin languages, maybe if you begin from one of the others like Italian or Spanish. Then the jump to French would be easier.

[@zmahmoud1454]

@@cccconyt Merci so much 😍😍 You make it feel so easy 🙂 I took notes of the tips you suggested. Next, I’ll search for tv shows and some books to read. I watch french songs with lyrics too on youtube. It helps too. Thanks again 🦋🙏🏻💙

[@lesleyhalkett5675]

@@zmahmoud1454 I think French is the most difficult, grammatically. It was my best subject at school - a very long time ago. But French, Italian and Spanish are all "romance" languages derived from Latin. Once you master French, Italian or Spanish are easier. German (my second best subject at school) isn't as difficult as French. In my opinion anyway.

[@zmahmoud1454]

@@lesleyhalkett5675 I started learning it last year and is still an ongoing process. Its system is certainly different from English or Arabic (my native lang), yet I love how it sounds. One day, I will be sightseeing in France chatting in french as a native. Wish me luck 🙏🏻

[@radioactivepanda2082]

A part of me wants to know what they’re saying. But a bigger part of me likes not knowing.

[@burnellbrowne4303]

its just beautiful

[@charlesrussell1764]

To hear the English translation is like watching a film with subtitles. It is a waste of time.

[@MARTIN201199]

You better learn Italian.

[@valentinasantiago8738]

Loved what you wrote. I used to feel the same way. I thought if I knew what they were singing about I might not enjoy it as much. But when I heard Pavarotti sing CARUSO it brought tears to my eyes and I had no idea what he was singing about. After awhile curiosity got the better of me. It was better and I cried more. Pavarotti Caruso, with lyrics. Try it.

[@brooksequine7621]

Radioactive Panda : I've an old , old book that outlines every operas story line ... I love it !

[@charlenemaduramuthu8495]

i swear this selection is better than any new music

[@User-wr5qz]

I specifically went here to find Duo des Fleurs since I did not know the name but thought it must be in a top list. Thank you!

[@nacamo17]

I would add two: E lucevan le stelle (Tosca, Puccini) and Vesti la giubba (Pagliaccio, Leoncavallo).

[@juanguerrero5626]

your`e right on the money

[@janedavis4793]

nacamo17 Vesti la giubba is so moving. No matter who sings it! Pavarotti gets the highest marks from my untrained ears. It knocks me down every time I hear it.😭😭

[@evaluna2088]

I totally agree.

[@igorkic]

A wonderful choice, nacamo17! As far as the opera "songs" (strangley, I always thought of them as "arie") are concerned, I wonder is it just me, or are there other people who think that "Signore, ascolta!" (Puccini's Turandot), deserves a place in top 10?

[@joebloggs619]

E Luceven Le Stelle, for sure...

[@cr4228]

Unimaginable beauty and lofty human aspirations to the highest level of civility.

[@groovyroses]

My mom took me to see Eugene Onegin at the Seattle Opera instead of me going to my high school prom and that was my first live performance that we have seen. Since then I've been hooked on opera and have been to several live operas with my mom and my dad has his favorite opera La Boheme with Australian from 1993.

[@janandernest]

I’ve loved opera my whole life. I remember listening to Caruso as a very young child and being mesmerized by his glorious voice.

[@craigcorson3036]

Which was my favourite? Each was more unutterably beautiful than the one before it. How can one choose a favourite? They are ALL my favourite.

[@selcukcilek555]

Credit and respect to all of them...artists, composers as well as orchestras . My favorite is Callas /Madame Butterfly.

[@abrahamfhi1216]

Arias is music for the soul

[@leon983]

My music teacher sent me here, but I didn't regret.

[@Marco....4]

What grade are you?

[@leon983]

@@Marco....4 8th, why?

[@Marco....4]

@@leon983 just interesting

[@fernandaabreu5625]

So why the but?

[@entornohumano7945]

Your music teacher should be a good one and he/she should see a talent on yourself. Great.

[@ironmarc7881]

Online learning pre Med learning with this in the background is the peace and love I have been searching for. Thanks. “Respect” , as we Sicilians say.

[@lindadann9202]

I'm sure you know the relationship between medicine and music. Good luck.

[@iczemi]

How glorious is this music, it heals ones soul.

[@terrysandford6569]

I am new to opera. I heard 'O mio bambino caro' for the first time a few years ago sung by Rene' Fleming. It melted my heart, my eyes filled with tears and I had goosebumps. I will be taking some time to learn more.

[@margaretlavender4418]

Terry Sandford. Me too. I first heard it as THE music in the wonderful film, first half set in Florence, “Room With a View”, and loved it.

[@terrysandford6569]

@@margaretlavender4418 Hey maybe we can help each other explore and learn!

[@SpecialtyHorseTraining]

Franco Corelli's Tokyo concert is on youtube. He has those polite Japanese acting like roaring Italians. See Corelli Parma Vittoria. He even had to sing an encore as the applause went on for 1/2 an hours after the end of Tosca. Unheard of before.

[@noname-cw7wn]

Babbino aka daddy, not bambino!

[@patriserra6342]

No aprendas, disfruta!!! ❤️🇪🇸

[@GEGrassi]

I think many of us could be recommending all night, but here I suggest a couple. I promise not to mention "La forza del ..." E lucevan le stelle (Tosca, Puccini) Che Gelida Manina (La bohème) Vesti la giubba (Pagliaccio, Leoncavallo) Si, pel ciel (Otello, Verdi) Signore, ascolta "Liu aria" o non piangere, liù (Turandot, Puccini)

[@lagitanadeve]

This music makes me feel like a misunderstood rebel. Nobody gets why I like it. But how could I not? It's so beautiful

[@shuzennn]

I love opera so much. Nothing else comes as close to the intensity of emotions than opera.

[@gracielajhosefatvasquezzam9287]

Exacto!!

[@owuvek2634]

Try sex with someone who loves you or the death/loss of that person, if you're looking for emotion. Bankrupty is probably pretty intense.

[@clmclachlan]

So happy you picked Diana Damrau's Queen of the Night. IMO she conveys the elemental menace and rage of the scorned woman like no other. The score is truly challenging, and Diana's is IMO the definitive performance.

[@johngruen5274]

Damrau is my favorite too. So much rage and beauty

[@ITreasureMEAromatherapy]

You chose well! All of these arias were classics I've heard since I was a little girl...Nessun Dorma is one of my all time favorites! Hearing Maria Callas sing "O Mio Babbino Caro" has always given me chills. She really embodied it. Thank you for this. It brought me to tears. I feel soooo very fortunate to have been exposed to opera and classical music as a young child. Music is Everything! That is, Good music is Everything!

[@ravent2631]

Vide Cor Meum is so beautiful. I get chills from it.

[@JasonDebly]

I'm a newcomer and my favorite is Un Bel Di Vedremo from Madame Butterfly (8:43). Madam Callas drew me into opera and now I can't leave having heard her at 12:38. Many thanks for uploading this.

[@bonanzajoe]

For those who haven't heard yet, google up Mario Lanza: Nessun Dorma. Happy listening.

[@collinsbii2896]

The notes are so magnificent....touches the soul

[@Thewazechannel]

The Opera is quite different and special. Thank you for these masterpieces that make us feel alive.

[@patramorningstar3161]

Not sure how 356 ppl could dislike this but thank you for this post. Brought back memories of my childhood when I studied ballet. Much needed sound therapy in this chaotic year of 2020.

[@stansmith4054]

I think opera (to many people who aren't keen to music) is like bagpipes. You either love it or you hate it. There is no between. I find it may be somewhat of an acquired taste of music!

[@janeyang3389]

Dislike because this list is full of biases.

[@brooksequine7621]

@@stansmith4054 : I love bagpipes ! :))

[@inspirationchannel872]

@@brooksequine7621 I do not yet I love to hear opera .

[@brooksequine7621]

@@stansmith4054 : My father loved Opera but as his hearing went away , so did his enjoyment ... I sincerely hope that this does not happen to me -

[@petermaurer2426]

I can think of many arias that are “missing” from this list, but honestly, with all the sublimely beautiful music in opera, how can you choose just ten? This is a great collection. I love it! Thank you for putting it together.

[@kristopherbagu5611]

Hey I'm just starting to get into opera what arias do u recommend

[@cosmicmauve]

@@kristopherbagu5611 I don't know as many as other people, but a few that moved me are "Il faut partir" from _La Fille du Regiment_ I heard it first by Pretty Yende, but take a listen to the one by Beverly Sills live (Italy), perfection. Actually both versions are exquisite. "Mon Coeur S'Ouvre A Ta Voix" Olga Borodina and Jose Cura, "La Wally" Wilhelmina Wiggins Fernandez. Just to name a few.

[@mariebenesova1381]

I miss Rusalka, Carmen, Nabucco, Die Zauberflöte and many others.

[@malakai651]

A beautiful collection! But for me Maria Callas is head and shoulders above everyone, I don't believe that any other soprano has come anywhere near.

[@San-qb6mj]

Esto es musica,tengo 15 años y me gusta esto y no hay muchas personas de mi edad q le guste esto que si es arte💜

[@jddyea5527]

We should get together

[@nuriahenares7008]

Enhorabuena...es innato

[@rodrigodelavega6764]

muchacho, deja de verte el ombligo. yo-mi-me-conmigo.

[@frankG335]

Hay mas que tu piensas!

[@frankG335]

Si to vas a una escuela de opera, puedes conocer muchas personas de tu edad que le gustan al opera! Y que estudian opera.

[@juliaryan153]

A must for lovers of opera

[@luruth48]

music...no its food for the soul ! What an incredible gift G-d gave to the composers and music directors

[@bridgetlolla-childs9968]

I so miss going to the opera right now, this gives me so much joy and sadness 🖤💙 and the tears are flowing. As much as I appreciate this, we could add so much more to this list I can’t name the top 10

[@ijtdkgtrd]

It's amazing how a piece of music can bring such emotion. Duo des Fleurs and O Mio Babbino Caro always make me shiver and the tears flow just from the pure joy and pleasure they evoke. You know that feeling when you look into the eyes of someone you love, the world melts away, your heart races and you just want to lose yourself in that moment forever? That is how I feel every time I hear them. Such bliss ^_^

[@piusiheanyi2301]

They are really awesome I play them when I wanna relax and sleep

[@juanjosesalvadorromero4198]

Modern death metal-head here! I've been fascinated about scream singing for years and took me a while to realise that "well, there must be some way to make your body produce those sounds" also applies here, and it's so easy to sleep on it instead of trying to get into it and enjoy music while discovering somethig amazing. This seems like a great starting point for listening to the genre, thanks a lot for it. If someone can suggest me some other songs to check out, I gladly will.

[@ritaparker478]

Metal head too!, but am fond of many types of music. It is interesting how opera has influenced rock music. Queen, Meatloaf, The Who, Roger Waters, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, Nagartoth, Narduke, to name a few. Rock on!

[@Rosary716]

Try LaBoheme. The “rock opera” RENT is based on the story, but not the music. Composer, Puccini, also wrote Madama Butterfly and Turandot, which have two of the most sublime arias ever, both in this video.

[@estelasznycer150]

Thanks for sharing this amazin list of arias !!!

[@tinarider9945]

Pavarotti has something special in his unic voice... ❤️

[@tusharantil939]

Most special is that Pavarotti doesn't have cough at that time

[@joaovictorols4565]

10 - 0:00 9 - 4:48 8 - 8:40 7- 13:20 6 - 17:52 5 - 21:01 4 - 23:48 3 - 26:50 2 - 28:59 1 - 32:05

[@ivantaylor4584]

JoãoVictorOls thanks dawg

[@lawrencejohnson191]

Ruber viridis Have you heard of Mozart?

[@ClergetMusic]

Too bad Vide Cor Meum wasn’t really from an opera. It’s gorgeous.

[@michkazeynalnia906]

Che bello! Come ha fatto così?

[@dawn3886]

Thank you for posting, im 54 and just discovered Opera, i feel like ive missed so much but im in love with the world again. Beautiful music. I didn't know arias are what we call them too, thanks for sharing ❤

[@ginadisbrow9324]

I know maybe five words of Italian. I am a 57 yo US southern born and bred female. My favorite music is Christian gospel, old time country, and old school rock/pop. However, for some inexplicable reason, Italian opera moves me to tears. Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli, Enrico Caruso, Beniamino Gigli, etc., etc. The music, words, and singing delivery is just electrifying to me.

[@ruberviridis7507]

You missed: La Wally - Ebben ne andrò lontana (Gustav Mahler said: "the best opera ever") Tosca - E lucevan le stelle (a podium piece) Barbiere di Siviglia - largo al factotum (WOOOOOOOOOOOOOW) Nabucco - Va pensiero (probably the best opera piece ever) Rigoletto - Bella figlia dell'amore (the best quartet in the History of music) L' Arlesiana - E' la solita storia del pastore (simply marvelous) Andrea Chenier - Un dì all'azzurro spazio (a very difficult piece) Norma - Casta Diva (heavenly) Tosca - Vissi d'arte (elegant) Rigoletto - Sì vendetta ... (terrible) Trovatore - Di quella pira Rigoletto - Caro nome Traviata - Amami Alfredo Adriana Lecouvreur - io son l'umile ancella Lucia di Lammermoor - Duet Pagliacci - vesti la giubba I also want to mentioned really difficult opera songs for connoisseurs La griselda - Agitata da due venti Barbiere di Siviglia - Una voce poco fa Cenerentola - non più mesta

[@primadonna6159]

All beautiful songs, I agree, unfortunately, it was a 'top ten' for debutantes to the genre, so I had to make some tough choices. That being said, I'm going to have to make a new video, maybe *Another* Top Ten "Must Know" Opera Songs :)

[@DaoKyle]

Great list of recommendations

[@ericdew2021]

Nice list, but they're not "must know" pieces. Vesti la giubba, yeah. For Rigoletto, just La Donna e mobile. As for Seville, Cenerentola... they're not staged as often. Here in SF, we've done three Zauberflotes and 2 Rigolettos in the time that we've done 0 Cenerentola (past 8 or 9 years?).

[@SilfredoSerrano]

Ooh, what about the sextet from Lucia? That is one of the most famous pieces!

[@ruberviridis7507]

@@SilfredoSerrano Wonderful!

[@user-hj6ej6rv7w]

I would add ''Casta Diva'' (Norma, Bellini)

[@gaitpiano]

Yes, by Callas and Georges Prete conducting.....

[@timlynch5710]

I would add "Rebel, Rebel"(Diamond Dogs, David Bowie)

[@fedegwagwa]

@@timlynch5710 But thats not an opera aria

[@Kolious_Thrace]

Some people are just miracles of God on Earth! Maria Callas and Luciano Pavarotti… what can we, mere mortals, say about them…? Especially Maria Callas is the reason I started listen to opera! Many people from our country🇬🇷 doesn’t even care about opera, Maria or they don’t even know her legacy! They don’t even know that Maria was one of us🇬🇷 I’m not particularly educated on Opera but every time I hear Maria and Luciano… my soul travels to the Heavens! May they rest in peace🙏🏻✝️

[@JoJo-sr6dg]

I’m a new comer to Opera & it’s beautiful just sat in the dark listening to this on full blast I need to know more 😍

[@suep1821]

So so glad you used Sabine and Marianne for the Flower Duet, the best version by far

[@PrincessAquamarine]

Truly grateful for your efforts!!! Thank you! (It's so difficult, almost impossible!, to choose one "favourite " in between all these masterpieces.. but the " Flower Duet" speaks to my heart the most.. :) )

[@baritonebynight]

One of my favorite gigs is as a strolling street at our local Italian festival to raise awareness for the opera company. Just about everyone wants me to sing O Mio Babbino Caro. The first year I sang the festival I would tell them "oh that's Lauretta's from Gianni Schicchi....it's a soprano aria.....how about (well known baritone aria) instead"? After my third festival, I just gave in.....explained nothing and went ahead and sang it two octaves lower. OMG people cheered, applauded, cried....and most importantly gave me whole lot of tip money. I'm sure the purists are scoffing and I could care less about that because I do like that money.

[@powerliftingcentaur]

How fitting to conclude with Maria Callas.

[@jimhoy506]

What is clear from the comments is that you could list a top 1000 and still miss someone’s favorites. For me a list of your favorites is a chance to find a new delight, like the third in your list. Thank you for a most enjoyable programme.

[@davidcopson5800]

Now there is a sensible reply.