Gramophne 2023

The fame and legacy of Maria Callas are nearly unsurpassed in the modern history of opera. Her fame has transcended the usual boundaries of classical music, and she has been the inspiration for several movies as well as the successful Broadway play "Master Class." Her extensive catalogue of recordings remains among the most coveted and controversial for both her fans and detractors.

Mezzo-soprano Teresa Berganza's career always had something of a Spanish flavor to it, even though she excelled in Mozart and Rossini roles and other elements of the traditional repertory. She consistently championed Spanish music, from zarzuela to the songs of Granados and Falla. She also sang the title role of Carmen frequently, bringing her own unique sense of the character to both stage and recordings. A musician of unusual breadth and ability, Berganza was an accomplished pianist and organist and even studied conducting and composition. Her voice, which had an impressive upper extension, managed to cross boundaries as well: in 1960, she was offered the role of Violetta – a mainstay of the soprano repertory – in Verdi's La traviata at La Scala in Milan.

A recording of Bellini's Norma is essential for every Callas collection.

Willie Nelson is probably the greatest living country star of our time. The Texan has been an institution of the genre for decades and is revered by generations of colleagues and fans. So it's no wonder that countless well-wishers celebrated this legend's 90th birthday with a unique concert. "Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90 Live At The Hollywood Bowl" now brings this historic event to your living room.

erbert von Karajan was the most renowned conductor to emerge from Europe in the post-World War II era – and through fortuitous timing throughout his career, and in spite of controversy that dogged his early years, he was the most recorded conductor of the 20th century, and is likely to remain one of the most visible (and biggest-selling) conductors well into the 21st century. Born in Salzburg and descended from a family of Greek origin with deep roots in Austria – including scholars and physicians in Vienna and Salzburg – he was a music prodigy, playing the piano at three and playing his first recital a year later.

The orchestra of the Bolshoi Theater is one of the best symphony orchestras in the world. The glorious traditions of‘ its conductor‘ s school were founded by Nikolai Golovanov, Samuil Samosud, Ariy Pazovsky, Alexander Melik-Pashajev, Juri Fajer, Vassili Nebolsin, Boris Khaikin, Eugeni Svetlanov, Gennadi Rozhdestvensky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Mark Ermler, Alexander Lazarev.

The complete collection of their singles from across 35 years of the duo's acclaimed career.

The complete collection of their singles from across 35 years of the duo's acclaimed career. The 3CD+2BR format includes all Pet Shop Boys' hits starting with their debut single 'West End girls' and continuing through such iconic tracks as 'Love Comes Quickly', 'It's a Sin', 'Always on My Mind', 'Being Boring', 'Suburbia', 'Opportunities', 'What Have I Done to Deserve This?', 'Rent' and 'Heart'. The Blu-Ray includes the complete video collection of the singles.

The boxed set underscores Nicks' longevity as a solo artist. Six of her eight studio albums were Top 10 hits in the U.S., including her solo debut, 'Bella Donna' (1981), which topped the Billboard 200 in 1981.