ultimate list of opera recordings

I would be glad to list my favorite operas. I'll start with the accessible ones for those just getting into opera. May I first recommend to all: dvd's(I am ducking all those bullets for mentioning that poor sounding music format). It is just a suggestion, my immersion into opera started out with myself just enjoying the music without understanding what was going on. But when I followed the libretto and watched the action and stage set by setting up the dvd's hooked up to my tv set it became much more rewarding. Here are the accessible ones: la boheme with freni, carmen with carreras, aida with domingo, and rigoletto with pavarotti is one very accessible opera. Here are some not so accessible but very much rewarding, Imho mefistofoles is a genius composition, and karl bohm's abduction from the seraglio is one that I never tire of, it has a pleasant feel to it, otello with domingo is great as well. What I recommend is find out which opera suits yourself then explore the various recordings with different artists. Then one can move onto cd or lp recordings after understanding the emotion being portrayed.

You seem to have a fair amount of expertise, why don't you share with us your list of favorite operas and their performances. I'm sure others will follow suit.

One of my favorites is LaBoheme with Freni conducted by Shippers on EMI, but I have an easy time with most operas by Puccini and Verdi. And I just LOVE Gilbert & Sullivans's HMS Pinafore, Mikado, and The Pirates of Penzance (all on Telarc by Mackerras). And then there is Gershwin's Porgy and Bess, the great American opera (on Dorian by Litton.