For the rest of opera lovers, this CD is a miracle. It's not a coincidence that it has been sold over 15 million copies. This CD is, to my taste, the best of all the Three tenors performances. The arias are chosen from the most loved opera repertoire. As for the following "pot pourri" it is just gorgeous. I'm a "Three Tenors disciple" as it is after hearing this CD that my passion for opera started, as I guess for many other people. Now that I am much more into "real opera" I cannot but find this CD compilation exquisite. Hearing three great tenors fly into the high notes all at one gives goose bumps.

As for the other "opera fanatics", those whose ears are so sensible that they'll have an allergy if someone other than Caruso, Gigli, Corelli or Bjorling is singing, I guess they still have much to learn. They have to learn to appreciate what GREAT "contemporary" (not so much any more, but say for the last quarter of the 20th) opera tenors have to offer.

This is A MUST, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED CD.

27 of 28 found the following review helpful:

Excellent. Like summer sunshine. manna from heaven!  May 28, 2004
By Narut Ujnat "Exchanger1"
This CD is terrific on so many levels. In celebration of one of the world's great sporting events - the World Cup of football (soccer to us stateside), three great tenors and one masterful conductor (Zubin Mehta) were brought together in one of the world's great cities - Rome -- for a special evening that we are blessed to have been able to listen to again and again.

The concert was held during the World Cup in 1990 at the Baths of Caracella, which are ruins of the once great Roman baths. In this beautiful setting Luiciano Pavrotti, Jose Carreas and Placido Domingo came together for one of the best CD's ever made.

The singing is exquisite. The passion of the crowd in this live performance should equal the reaction of the listener. This is art at its highest level. It is a celebration of great music, not just of opera, but in my opinion, the soaring human spirit. What power to move the soul! You don't need to be an opera fan to enjoy this music. If you like any kind of music, you cannot help but be affected by the power of this special evening. And what an evening, those in attendance were lucky to have been there!!

The casual listener will already know some of these arias, as they are from some the great operas of all time. However, I believe even the most hardenend opera fan, unless he or she is a real stiff, cannot be helped to be but moved by this music.

It is heavenly! I recommend this CD to you, because in my humble opinion, it will bring sunshine to your heart!!! : )

24 of 26 found the following review helpful:

Before all the hype  Jan 16, 2000
By J. Buxton "cantabile"
While I am generally against these guys making any more of these records(their voices are past their primes), this one was a unique event. None of the concerts they have done together since has equalled the novelty or quality of this original concert. This is just a wonderful disc, whether you are a serious classical/opera fan, or just want to add some variety to your collection. Domingo's rendition of "E lucevan le stelle" is very fine, as is Carreras in "Granada" and "Il lamento di Federico". Pavarotti's voice is fresh in "Recondita armonia", "Rondine al nido", and "Torna a Surriento". They are all beautifully done and they mostly stick to opera arias, with thankfully few popular/broadway tunes thrown in. These guys should stick to opera, what they do best! Mehta and the joint orchestras sound quite good. A bit of trivia: this is the best selling classical album of all time, deservedly so in my opinion.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:

beautiful and awe inspring.......  Aug 20, 2007
By D. Pawl "Dani"
The original Three Tenors CD takes me back! I was very fortunate to be brought up with an exposure to classical music, thanks to PBS, Saturday broadcasts from the Met on the local classical radio station and old records and tapes lovingly preserved and treasured by my family. Classical music was, for me, the ultimately pleasurable escape from the stress and dismal day to day stresses of life. The Three Tenors sound like angels on this album and this CD really documents a history-making performance. Jose Carreras, Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo woo us with their magnificent voices. I especially enjoy "Nessum Dorma" from Turandot, sung with gusto and feeling by the incomparable Luciano Pavarotti. What's more, when Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras sing in their native tongue (Spanish) they truly steal your heart away. The songs featured here are truly the cream of the crop, musically, and are perhaps some of the greatest songs written for tenors. Don't miss out on this album............This is the first and (in my opinion) the greatest album they did.

10 of 10 found the following review helpful:

The night that started it all!  Nov 02, 2005
By Charity "Classics lover"
You can read the technical information about the contents of this CD above. That is not what this review is about. I became intrested in opera about 1 1/2 years ago because of happening upon Mario Lanza. Since then, I have experienced many great truly operatic voices, including the "King," Pavarotti.
If you are just discovering opera, suffice it to say; Buy this album!!! It was the concert that launched the 3 Tenors phenomenon. It is full of uplifting, heart- tugging favorites, and you will find yourself listening to it over and over. Buy the dvd as well. It imparts absolute electricity! I am a young pianist and vocalist, and this concert is truly inspiring to me! You won't regret one penny you spend on this!

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