Opera lovers will find a generous helping from the Italian repertoire. Tenor Fabio Armiliato who also stars in the film performs a cappella versions of "E lucevan le stelle" from Tosca and the Pavarotti favorite "Nessun Dorma" from Turandot. You can never go wrong with Puccini. He also does three sections from the Leoncavallo verismo classic Pagliacci, including of course "Vesti la Giubba," but also the "Son Qua, Son Qua" and the "Duetto e Finale" with Rita Cammarano among others. In addition there is "Amor Ti Vieta" from Giordano's Fedora. Opera lovers may be less appreciative of Angelo Di Pippo's kitschy take on the "Drinking Song" from La Traviata.
In some sense, for those interested only in the music, this album's strength is also its weakness. In its diversity, it would be unlikely that listeners would be unable to find something to enjoy. On the other hand, that same diversity might make it just as unlikely that listeners would care for it as a whole. For those interested in the music because of its associations with the film, the album is no doubt the perfect accompaniment to the cinematic experience.
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