Collections of discrete arias, cobbled together after the fact, are designed to display and sell the singer as star. This double-CD set does that, but it also goes well beyond the standard. Half of it is comprised of Pavarotti singing some of the world's most famous tenor arias — music that is familiar well outside opera. The first disc starts with "La Donna é Mobile," ends with "Nessun Dorma" and includes "ah mes amis – pour mon âme" from La fille du régiment, famous (or notorious) for its nine consecutive high C's, an Olympian challenge that Pavarotti dashed off with aplomb and that arguably put him on the map.

The second disc collects recordings of popular Italian songs. Pavarotti was a natural in these, sincere and unaffected in the sentimental "Torna A Sorriento" and even the chugging swing of "Ti adoro." As a bonus, three arias from the very start of his career in 1964 are included. It's a comprehensive set, but only a start.