Album DescriptionThis 2 CD set is one of four special albums being released by EMI Classics on 8 September 2008 to celebrate the 150th Anniversary on 22 December of the birth of Giacomo Puccini (1858-1924). Puccini is one of today's most popular operatic composers. His works dominate the programmes of the world's leading opera houses, and his compositions are heard frequently on radio and television, in film soundtracks and in TV commercials. This album contains all the best-loved Puccini arias and duets sung by the greatest classical artists, including Placido Domingo, Maria Callas, Rolando Villazon, Angela Gheorghiu, Roberto Alagna, Kiri Te Kanawa, Jos' Carreras and Lesley Garrett. All of Puccini's well known operas are represented, including Manon Lescaut, La boheme, Tosca, Madama Butterfly and Turandot, as well as the less frequently heard La rondine, La fanciulla del West and Il trittico (Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi).