Vocal pyrotechnics abound with high ‘C’s, trills, and singing techniques that’ll leave you breathless. At their best are Joan Sutherland, Alfred Deller, Lucia Popp, Sigrid Onégin, and Magda Olivero.
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“Hark, How All Things With One Sound Rejoice” from The Fairy-Queen by Henry Purcell
Alfred Deller, countertenor; with string orchestra and harpsichord
(London 1953. EMI 2 36087 2)
“Queen of the Night” aria from Die Zauberflöte by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Lucia Popp, soprano; Philharmonia Orchestra; Otto Klemperer, conductor
(London 1964. EMI 2 28952 2)
“Prison Scene” from Le prophète by Giacomo Meyerbeer
Sigrid Onégin, contralto; with Orchestra
(New York 1929. EMI 2 36839 2)
“Sempre Libera” from La traviata by Giuseppe Verdi
Magda Olivero, soprano; with Orchestra
(1950. LEGATO CLASSICS LCD-161-1)
“O luce di quest’anima” from Linda di Chamounix by Gaetano Donizetti
Joan Sutherland, soprano; Orchestre de la Société des concerts du Conservatoire; Nello Santi, conductor
(Paris 1959. LONDON 421 305-2)