9 best opera vinyls

Opera vinyls refer to vinyl records that contain recordings of opera performances. These vinyl records are a physical format for storing and playing back audio recordings. They are often associated with classical music, including opera, which is a form of musical drama characterized by its combination of music, singing, acting, and often elaborate stage design.

Here are some key aspects related to opera vinyl records:

  1. Format and Size: Opera vinyl records are typically 12 inches in diameter and are played at a speed of 33 1/3 revolutions per minute (RPM). This format provides enough space to capture longer compositions, which is important for opera performances.

  2. Artwork and Packaging: Like other vinyl records, opera vinyls often come with elaborate album artwork and packaging. This can include images related to the opera, information about the performers and production, and sometimes even librettos (the text of the opera).

  3. Sound Quality: Vinyl records are known for their warm, analog sound quality. Many audiophiles appreciate the rich, full sound that vinyl can provide, especially for classical music recordings like opera.

  4. Collectibility: Opera vinyl records, especially those featuring renowned performers or rare recordings, can be sought after by collectors. Limited editions, original pressings, and records from famous opera houses or artists can be particularly valuable.

  5. Historical Significance: Opera vinyls can offer a glimpse into the history of opera performance. They may feature legendary singers, conductors, and orchestras, providing a valuable record of musical heritage.

  6. Availability and Reissues: While some opera vinyls may be rare and hard to find, many classic opera recordings have been reissued in vinyl format.This allows modern listeners to experience historic performances on a physical medium.

  7. Care and Maintenance: Proper storage and handling of vinyl records is important to maintain their quality. This includes using clean, anti-static equipment, storing them upright, and protecting them from extreme temperatures and humidity.

  8. Playback Equipment: Playing opera vinyl records requires a turntable or record player equipped with a suitable stylus for 33 1/3 RPM records. A good quality amplifier and speakers are also essential for reproducing the full range of frequencies captured on the record.

  9. Genres and Composers: Opera vinyl records encompass a wide range of genres and composers, from Italian, German, French, and Russian operas to works by composers like Verdi, Puccini, Wagner, Mozart, and more.

Opera vinyls remain a cherished format for classical music enthusiasts, offering a tangible and nostalgic way to experience the grandeur and emotion of opera performances.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best opera vinyls on the market
  

Carmen with Leontyne Price and the Vienna Philharmonic, Vienna State Opera Chorus, and Vienna Boys Choir

RCA Victor Red Seal

Based on 63 reviews Check latest price
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Opening Nights At the Met

RCA LM-6171

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Opening Nights At the Met. 3 LP Box Set + booklet. RCA LM-6171

The Three Tenors 25th Anniversary [LP]

Decca

Based on 118 reviews Check latest price

Product description

One of the best-selling classical albums in history, the original Three Tenors Concert now celebrates its 25th anniversary with this deluxe, gatefold sleeve LP package. Featuring Jose Carreras, Placido Domingo and Luciano Pavarotti, the package includes the entire concert on 180g heavyweight vinyl and the sung texts are included. A true collector's item!

Carmen: Opera in Four Acts, by Georges Bizet

RCA Victor

Product description

Box set including 1 book and 3 double sided Vinyl LPs.

  • Records have been cleaned and new sleeved.
  • 3 Lp box set.
  • Has original inner sleeves.
  • Has orignial booklet insert.

Madama Butterfly: (complete opera) with Maria Callas, Lucia Danieli, Nicolai Gedda, Herbert voma Butn Karajan, Chorus & Orchestra of La Scala, Milan

Angel

Based on 73 reviews Check latest price

Product description

VINYL RECORD BOX SET

A Night At The Opera - Queen LP

EMI

Based on 511 reviews Check latest price

Product description

QUEEN a night at the opera. EMTC103

Mozart: Don Giovanni / Colin Davis, Chorus and Orchestra Royal Opera House, Covent Garden

Philips 6707 022 Stereo

Based on 50 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Mozart: Don Giovanni / Colin Davis, Chorus and Orchestra Royal Opera House, Covent Garden. 1973 Philips 6707 022 Stereo.

The Phantom of the Opera (Rick Wakeman Soundtrack)

One Way Static

Based on 6 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Rick Wakeman is an English composer, keyboardist, songwriter, author & actor that actually needs little introduction. He is best known for being in the progressive rock band 'YES' and for his solo albums released in the 1970s. Rick's early credits include playing on David Bowie's "Space Oddity" and on songs by T. Rex, Elton John, Cat Stevens, Lou Reed and Black Sabbath (among others). Mr. Wakeman's discography includes over 90 solo albums that range from several musical styles. To this date Rick continues to perform concerts worldwide in various capacities. During the decades Rick Wakeman also composed numerous soundtracks and additional music for films. In 1990 this led him to compose a conceptual soundtrack for the legendary 1925 Lon Chaney silent film 'The Phantom Of The Opera' which was released under the moniker 'Phantom Power'. Unfortunately 'Phantom Power' was cut short and was missing more than half an hour of what Rick came up with - a silent realization required non-stop music for more than 80 minutes of action - yet, thought lost for quarter of a century, the score is now back in it's original expanded form. Combining baroque moves with romantic passages, sometimes in a rock setting, Wakeman's variations really bring back the original feel of this 1925 cinematic classic using a quasi-orchestral backdrop containing organs and harpsichord with the ghosts of Mozart and Bach lurking in the dark. One Way Static Records is proud to present to you (for the FIRST TIME on vinyl) the complete unreleased recordings for 'The Phantom Of The Opera'. This is the original Rick Wakeman unedited soundtrack and contains the original mixes of the songs which are different to what eventually appeared on the "Phantom Power" album. Spread over two glorious LP's, this set contains over 80 minutes & comes with extensive sleeve notes by Tim Scott.

Night at the Opera

Rnuchat

Based on 1 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Newly half speed remastered audiophile edition of the 1974 mega blockbuster on 180-gram vinyl. Includes 'Bohemian Rhapsody'.

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