Anna Netrebko is rapidly becoming the opera star of the 21st century. Netrebko waited a longtime to record music of her homeland and it's something worth waiting for!

The two singers that are re-energizing the opera stage come together as the "Golden Couple" with a duet collection that offers many wondrous musical moments! The latest news of Villazon's vocal problems may be serious, I hope he will be back on top very soon!

Cecilia Bartoli has produced one of the most remarkable recordings I have ever heard! Her understanding of the Romantic repertoire and the period in which the leading Diva, Maria Malibran, (1808-1836) imposed her superior voice upon society, becoming the first female superstar in music history, has brought her unique journey back to the world! This CD is a must have!

Renee Fleming has one of the most beautiful voices in the world. This tribute to an operatic Golden Age is a hallmark, and to be treasured!

Schwarzkopf's performance of the 4 Last Songs stands as one of the most purely respected in musical history. The music and the unique vocal qualities fit one another like hand and glove. "Zueignung" (Dedication) is stunningly consumed with dramatic character. (Must Have!)

The world has suffered a great loss! This CD provides the most loved operatic arias and songs of Pavarotti. It is to be hallmarked and treasured by all! When I first heard Pavarotti live he changed my approach to tone production at the piano forever.

Mitsuko Uchida became closely associated with the music of Mozart after her highly praised cycles in London of the sonatas and piano concertos. Uchida plays with virtual purity, charm, poetic lines and a wonderful element of rhythmic vitality. Her in depth understanding of the period is refreshingly conveyed.

Vlado Perlemuter studied with Cortot, Ravel, Faure and gave one of the first performances of Ravel's complete piano music. This collection is superlative and positions itself as a leading performance of Chopin's works. I had the honor of studying with Perlemuter for 4 years.

Vladimir Ashkenazy is one of the few to venture away from his homeland. His playing has positioned him as a 20th century virtuoso. He is now often seen performing and conducting the orchestra from the piano bench. The concertos are splendid and worth having in your collection.

Daniel Barenboim is one of the world's leading virtuoso pianists. His performance of the complete "Songs Without Words" are poetically conveyed with seamless phrases and a warmth of tone. I listen to them everyday!

Horowitz had an affinity for romantic music. Although he was a super-virtuoso he still had the ability to bring heartfelt depth and compassion to the world of the great "miniature" compositions such as Schumann's Kinderszenen Op.15. His playing is filled with communicative warmth and gentle nuances. His rubato is personal but never excessive. A superb choice for teachers and students.

Nissman's performances of the Prokofiev Sonatas are visionary and offer a refreshing rhythmic vitality. Her virtuosic technique allows her to convey the dramatic power in the War Sonatas with compelling conviction. These CD's stand among the greatest of Prokofiev and various other works. If you are considering adding these sonatas to your musical library, this should be your 1st choice.

This CD brings Rubenstein to 4 Impromptus, the Barcarolle, 3 Nouvelles Etudes, Bolero, Berceuse, Tarantelle, Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise, Op.22

Faure composed supremely elegant piano music influenced by Chopin and Schumann, though with considerable harmonic and melodic ingenuity.

This team offer playing that projects yielding warmth & power, flawless in its technical accomplishments, and brimful of vigor and assertiveness.

The Schumann Sonata begins with a driving, frenetic theme that Perahia conveys with well drilled execution. The 2nd theme is a simpler, chordal style with a syncopated rhythm. 3rd is a short scherzo full of syncopation. Rhondo ends in keeping with the 1st movement. The Schubert was composed during last weeks of his life. Sonata is in 4 movements, each expands in tonal design.

Barry Douglas captured international attention when he became the exclusive winner of the gold medal at the 8th Tchaikovsky International Piano Competition in Moscow. His playing is forthright, powerful and full of pianistic thunder and enthusiastically appreciative of the score's quick-fire-shifts in tempo and texture.

Soprano Elly Ameling has touched the hearts of the world. Her repertoire reaches from Monteverdi and Bach, Mozart, Schubert, Schumann, Wolf and Debussy to composers of this century. This CD with Jorg Demus, piano, and Hans Deinzer, clarinet is perhaps one of her greatest recordings, and one to have.

Recorded live at The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden in 1964.

Command of style is remarkable. Avoided playing Bach in concerts for a number of years. The moment had to come when Brendel became secure enough to deal with Bach on his own terms. He certainly proves his security on this recording.