Bidu Sayao: La Damoiselle elue / Opera Arias
Even if she wasn't game enough to wear a Columbia record in her hair (as pictured on the  cover), Bidu Sayao had a voice that could make you forget Kathleen Battle. This Brazilian soubrette of the  1940s was as vocally lusterous and far more versatile, taking on heavier roles such asLa Traviataand even an aria fromMadame Butterflywith a gracious sense of style, passionate sense of  character, well-placed high notes and an endearingly fallable coloratura technique. She's most at home inMarriage of Figaroarias from several different characters, but the sheer force of her personality  carries her through the heavier stuff. Great sound for its time.--David Patrick Stearns