Wozzeck, written in 1925, is the cornerstone of twentieth century opera and arguably the standard by which all other modern operas are judged. Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau lends his voice to this wonderful production, coupled with Evelyn Lear's heart wrenching rendition of Berg's later opera, Lulu.

Stravinsky is arguably the most influential composer of the twentieth century and this represents his most successful foray onto the operatic stage. A neoclassical tour-de-force, The Rake's Progress is provocative and entertaining. Ian Bostridge leads an all-star cast with Gardiner and the LSO backing them up.

Debussy's elusive Symbolist drama from 1902 is one of the most significant operas of the 20th century for it's reinterpretation of what opera could be as a genre.

Schoenberg's Erwartung is an intense atonal monodrama that forever changed the face of opera. Here it is sung by Jessye Norman who performs it better than anyone else. It is also coupled with Oedipus Rex and Schoenberg's Cabaret Songs. An absolutely wonderful disc.

A landmark in the history of British opera, this work marked Britten's arrival on the international music scene in 1945. Britten's use of psychological drama makes this a watershed work. Vicker's portrayal of Grimes amplifies the psychological aspects of the story and makes for an absolutely astonishing listening experience.

A wonderfully charming score by Bernstein pulls out all of the humor of Voltaire's seminal work.

John Adams has made an indelible mark on the opera world with a string of successful operas in recent years. This remains his most successful and his best.