The German mezzo-soprano and celebrated singing teacher Mathilde Marchesi (1821-1913) presents an illuminating account of her life in these memoirs. First published in 1897, the book reflects the significant role that Marchesi played in vocal education during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Having begun her career as a performer, from 1854 she devoted herself to teaching at the Vienna Conservatory and also in Paris and Cologne. She instructed many of the pre-eminent female singers of the age, including Nellie Melba, Mary Garden and Emma Calve. Also renowned for bringing the Italian bel canto vocal technique into the twentieth century, Marchesi occupied a prominent position in musical history. Featuring musical excerpts and a number of other illustrations, these memoirs record her outstanding achievements and strong opinions. The work also includes a brief introduction by the French composer Jules Massenet.

Collection of ballets making up the Gala des Étoiles of 2015. David Coleman conducts the Teatro alla Scala in performances of, amongst others, 'La Rose Malade' by Gustav Mahler, 'The Dying Swan' by Camille Saint-Saëns and Aram Khatchaturian's 'Spartacus'.

Famous soprano Maria Callas is captured performing live in Hamburg in May 1959 and March 1962. Her programme includes excerpts from Verdi's 'Don Carlo' and 'Macbeth', Rossini's 'Il Barbiere di Siviglia' and 'La Cenerentola', plus pieces by Bellini, Massenet and Gounod.

Live performance by Azerbaijan soprano Dinara Alieva in Moscow. She performs classical works by, among others, Charpentier, Massenet and Puccini, as well as more modern pieces such as 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and ' I Could Have Danced All Night'. Constantine Orbelian conducts the Russian National Orchestra and the Grand Choir 'Masters of Choral Singing'.

Live performance by Azerbaijan soprano Dinara Alieva in Moscow. She performs classical works by, among others, Charpentier, Massenet and Puccini, as well as more modern pieces such as 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' and ' I Could Have Danced All Night'. Constantine Orbelian conducts the Russian National Orchestra and the Grand Choir 'Masters of Choral Singing'.

Live performance from the 2013 Odeonplatz Concert in Munich. Tenor Rolando Villazón and baritone Thomas Hampson sing works by Verdi and Wagner with Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducting the Symphonieorchester and Chor des Bayerischen Rundfunks. Music by Jules Massenet and Maurice Ravel is also featured.