inspired by the opera threads we started with the closest thing we had

the Josh Groban tune from

then spent a hour or two looking up opera on amazon and listening to samples and shopping.
Stuff from Pavarotti, Madame Butterfly among some others..
Then turned to classical...

This actually has the most moving "Emperor" performance. The recording is not bad in the sense that the instruments really sound realistic and the soundstage is well defined but the noise floor is quite high. We compared with a Telarc Boston SO performance on hybrid SACD and while the recording is stunning and seperation is fantastic, we really didn't care much for the larthargic rendition. It really sucked the life out of the music IMO. The prior was far more engaging and emotive.
the lame version...

Wife played...

great performances and only $4 at amazon!
Then I played...

which was recommended on this forum... very technical playing but a bit challenging listen.
and I am currently listening to..
