Rapture: Opera's Most Heavenly Moments collects two discs' worth of opera classics that have been featured in films and commercials, and features performances from such star singers as
Bryn Terfel,
Joan Sutherland, and
Kiri TeKanawa. The collection offers a good sampling of works from many of opera's definitive composers, including
Mozart,
Verdi,
Bizet,
Purcell, and
Wagner, and includes music from films such as Driving Miss Daisy, Babette's Feast, and The Shawshank Redemption. Highlights include Bellini's Casta Duva, as featured in The Bridges of Madison County, Offenbach's The Tales of Hoffman from Life Is Beautiful, and
Puccini's Un Bel Di from Madame Butterfly and featured in Fatal Attraction.
Delibes' Flower Duet from Lakmé and
Mozart's Soave Sia il Vento from Cosi Fan Tutte are some of the other standout tracks in this collection, which may have a slightly glib premise but features quality music nevertheless. ~ Heather Phares