The Top Five Opera Songs of All Time

We all have our favorite opera songs, the ones that move us emotionally and stay with us long after the performance is over. But what are the most popular opera songs of all time? Here are the top five, based on performances and recordings.

Introduction

Opera is a unique and powerful form of musical expression that has captivated audiences for centuries. Though it can be difficult to narrow down the best opera songs of all time, there are certain pieces that stand out for their beauty, emotion and technical mastery.

Here are five of the greatest opera songs of all time:

1. “Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot
2. “O mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi
3. “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle” from Bizet’s Carmen
4. “Un bel di vedremo” from Puccini’s Madama Butterfly
5. “Quando men vo” from Puccini’s La Bohème

“Nessun Dorma” by Giacomo Puccini

“Nessun Dorma” is an aria from the opera “Turandot” by Giacomo Puccini. The aria is sung by the character Calaf, Prince of Tartary, who has fallen in love with the cold Princess Turandot. Calaf sings of his hope that Turandot will come to love him in return.

The aria is famous for its soaring vocal line and has been recorded by many of the world’s greatest opera singers. It is also often performed outside of the opera house, and has been used in popular culture, notably in the film “The Shawshank Redemption.”

“La donna è mobile” by Giuseppe Verdi

“La donna è mobile” is an aria from the opera “Rigoletto” by Giuseppe Verdi. It is one of the most popular opera songs of all time, and has been performed by many famous singers. The aria is sung by the character Duke of Mantua, and is about his “fickle” ways with women.

“Una furtiva lagrima” by Gaetano Donizetti

This opera song comes from the opera “L’elisir d’amore” and is sung by the character Nemorino. The song is a sentimental ballad about lost love and features one of the most beautiful and iconic melodies in all of opera.

“Casta Diva” by Vincenzo Bellini

This aria from Bellini’s Norma is sung by the Druid priestess Norma to the moon goddess, asking her to calm the winds so that she may properly perform a human sacrifice. One of the most beautiful and popular opera songs of all time, “Casta Diva” has been performed by some of the greatest sopranos in history, including Maria Callas, Renata Tebaldi, and Joan Sutherland.

Conclusion

There you have it – the top five opera songs of all time according to popular vote. It’s interesting to see how some of the more timeless classics like “Nessun Dorma” and “O Mio Babbino Caro” made the cut, while more modern pieces like “Musetta’s Waltz” from La Bohème are also getting their dues.

What do you think of the list? Did your favorite make the cut? Let us know in the comments below!