We see a different sort of Figaro in this aria when compared to that of “Largo al Factotum.” This piece ends Act I on a comedic note, as Figaro pokes fun at Cherubino, who has just been assigned military duty by Count Almaviva.

This is Mozart’s second appearance on this list of famous arias.

“Non più andrai” from Mozart’s Le nozze di Figaro.

Opera Sense recommended recording of La bohème: In this Act II aria, Musetta tries to regain the affection of her former lover, Marcello.

“Quando me’n vo'” (also known as “Musetta’s Waltz” from Puccini’s La bohème.

Opera Sense recommended recording of Carmen: This is another famous aria that everyone knows.

“Habanera” (common name of “L’amour est un oiseau rebelle”) from Bizet’s Carmen.

Opera Sense recommended recording of Il barbiere di Siviglia: The quick, fast-paced 6/8 time signature perfectly fits the character, and gives the audience a clue as to his socioeconomic status. This famous aria is performed at the entrance of the title character, Figaro himself.

“Largo al Factotum” from Rossini’s Il barbiere di Siviglia.

Opera Sense recommended recording of Turandot: In this aria, Calaf says that he is confident that he will be able to win the princess by answering the three riddles correctly. This one is sung by Calaf in the final act of Puccini’s unfinished opera, Turandot.

“Nessun Dorma” from Puccini’s Turandot.

Opera Sense recommended recording of Norma: The bel canto wizard Bellini created sounds that were made to fit perfectly in the human ear. If ever there were an aria whose melodic line seems to make all of life pause for a moment, it would be this one. Opera Sense recommended recording of Gianni Schicchi: The aria itself is even more famous than the opera it comes from!

“O mio babbino caro” from Puccini’s Gianni Schicchi.

Opera Sense recommended recording of Die Zauberflöte: Otherwise, the Queen of the Night will disown her! In this aria, the Queen of the Night tells her daughter, Pamina, that she has to kill the evil Sarastro. This most famous of all famous coloratura soprano arias is a wonder to behold. If you don’t know this one, chances are you live under a rock and haven’t ever seen another human being in your life.

“Der Hölle Rache” from Mozart’s Die Zauberflöte.

Opera Sense recommended recording of Rigoletto: Listen for that quintessential boom-chuck-chuck Verdi rhythm in this famous aria. This Act III aria, translated as “Woman is fickle” and sung by the libertine Duke of Mantua, is an audience favorite.

“La donna è mobile” from Verdi’s Rigoletto.

Performers include Luciano Pavarotti, Maria Callas, Renée Fleming, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Anna Netrebko. Bask in the glorious sounds of some of the world’s greatest singers singing tunes from the world’s most famous operas. Here is a list of the 10 most famous arias in the world.

Tosca opera famous aria