Album: Andrea Bocelli, Bizet's Carmen (Decca)

The world's most popular tenor, in the world's most popular opera? Do you suppose this will sell?

Decca aren't taking any chances anyway, making it available as a complete CD set with full libretto, and as a single-disc collection of Duets & Arias. The peculiar tragic nobility of Bocelli's voice is perfectly suited to the role of Don José, but the clinching elements are the supporting performances, particularly Marina Domashenko in the title role, whose plummily graceful tones bring just the right note of quixotic disdain to the part; and Bryn Terfel, who delivers the "Toreador's Song" with a swashbuckling gusto.

DOWNLOAD THIS L'amour est un oiseau rebelle; Près des remparts de Séville; Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre; La fleur que tu m'avais jetée