Search - José Carreras :: The Essential Jose Carreras

For once, a CD compilation nearly lives up to its self-promoting title--unlike many that carry around such heavy terminology as "ultimate," "best," "essential" or "only." This collection is not the only José Carreras recording a discriminating opera lover will want, but it provides an excellent overall view of some of the singer's best work, his strengths (notably in Puccini and Donizetti), his weaknesses (he should leave "Di quella pira" to more muscular voices, such as Plácido Domingo's), and his legacy on record, from hardcore classics to borderline pop material. --Joe McLellan