I have chosen “Våren” (The Spring) which is one of my favorite Grieg songs and which is sung perfectly by Anne Sofie von Otter.

Florence Quivar’s blend of triple cream voice and superior musical expression earned her a discography and videography to rival those of any of her contemporaries.

Sometimes, the first time you hear an oeuvre, it becomes the definitive performance for you.

An elegant rendition, and an artistically true one.

The open, skyward deliveries at the beginning and end of the aria as she addresses heaven! The mournful softness of her interceding “O mia Regina.”

The guttsiest, bitchiest, verismoist Amneris in my experience

Beth Taylor sings with her whole heart and soul and it is evident in the aria “Priva son d’ogni conforto” from Handel’s Giulio Cesare.

Singing truly becomes a living thing in Jennifer Larmore‘s remarkable voice and personality.

Ah, so many choices from my repertoire.

I went for Nilsson, but the star for me was the exceptional Mignon Dunn.

I find it unfathomable that Frederica Von Stade is 81 years old, for to me she is eternally 31.

For me – sheer fun and joy.

Irina Arkhipova gives a masterclass in singing in this thrilling excerpt from The Maid of Orleans by Tchaikovsky.

And then I remembered how much I love Cecilia Bartoli who was a major star when I first got into opera in my teens and remains so today.

Who knew that Giulietta Simionato was so excellent in the Rossini coloratura repertoire?

Lorraine Hunt Lieberson’s performance of “As with rosy steps the morn” from Handel’s Theodora is a masterclass in the confidence to simply hold space.

Seeing and hearing Lorraine Hunt Lieberson sing Didon at the Met was one of the greatest performances in my many years of opera going.

One mezzo I have always enjoyed was Elena Obraztsova.

I’ve been an Elena Obraztsova superfan since I was 16.

Brigitte Fassbaender tears through the role like no other.

Most stunning mezzo performance in the premiere of an opera at the Met.