111 Opera Masterpieces features some of the most popular selections from the world of opera, including mostly arias, ensembles, and choruses, but also with some orchestral excerpts. The operas are almost entirely from the standard repertoire, so the collection largely consists of 19th century Romantic opera along with some
Mozart and
Handel. While the repertoire accurately represents the most popular and familiar excerpts, the quality of the performances keep this from being an ideal introduction to opera. The singers are for the most part unknown and deliver competent but undistinguished performances, and the same can be said for the orchestras. The album should appeal to casual listeners who want to become familiar with the most famous selections from operas.