VA - Pure Tenors: 18 Romantic Classics (2001)

If you're looking to play the devil, the lower male range gives you an advantage, at least according to stage convention. But when it comes to the art of romance--unless you happen to be a certain promiscuous Don--a thrilling tenor voice is worth its weight in gold. This Pure Tenors compilation showcases the gleaming brilliance of this voice type in its romantic guise. The tenor--so to speak--of the selections ranges from Broadway fare and favorites such as "Love Is a Many-Splendoured Thing" to the fervent intensity of Puccini's Turandot (in the pulse-elevating closing number). Predictably, today's great tenor trinity--voice of gold Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo (in some very frisky moods), and the passionate José Carreras--gets by far the most representation. But of the huge world of other tenors out there, Universal at least gives a hint, with a vintage selection from the legendary Giuseppe di Stefano--a golden voice from the past very worth your while to seek out if you haven't yet discovered it. And, of course, pointing to today's contenders for the throne, there's an aria from Andrea Bocelli's recent Verdi compilation. When you listen to these voices, with their different ways of shading and coloring a phrase, you'll realize no two tenors sound alike. --Sarah Chin