Romance at the Met showcases the diverse faculties of the great Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, providing a master class in numerous blockbuster opera scenes. “Dammi I colori! … Recondita armonia” from Tosca is one standout, demonstrating the orchestra’s ability to ascend from the most delicate pizzicatos to roaring, thunderous climaxes with the utmost elegance. Don Pasquale’s “Tornami a dir che m’ami” is sincere and dignified, a romantic duet of the highest order. Including performances by Plácido Domingo, Sondra Radvanovsky and Ramón Vargas, as well as numerous first-rate conductors such as James Levine and Alan Gilbert, this exclusive release is a formidable classical and romantic opera primer.