Happy Easter, everyone!  Did you know that Handel's Messiah was intended to be performed during Lent?  This famous work, composed in 1741, was first performed on April 13, 1742, in Dublin's Music Hall.  Due to the buzz created by the previous night's rehearsal, the premiere performance sold out and hundreds of people had to be turned away.  To this day, Handel's Messiah is just as popular as ever, though it is now mostly performed during Christmas.  Hear one of the most well known choruses the world has ever known: Handel's "Halleluja" Chorus.

Traveling abroad this summer?  From Canada to Australia and Italy to Switzerland, here are several great international classical music summer festivals you might want to check out.  I think it's about time to get my passport!

Ranked by sales data compiled by Nielsen SoundScan, here are the top selling classical albums for the week of April 16, 2011.

1. Men of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, Mormon Tabernacle Choir
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
2. The Music of John Barry, Various Artists
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
3. The 99 Darkest Pieces of Classical Music, Various Artists
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
4. Alessandro Striggio: Mass in 40 Parts, I Fagiolini
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
5. The 99 Most Essential Opera Classics, Various Artists
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
6. The 50 Greatest Pieces of Classical Music, London Symphony Orchestra
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
7. Brahms: Works for Cello and Piano, Zuill Bailey
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
8. Bring Him Home, Alfie Boe
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
9. Symphonicities, Sting
   (Preview, Purchase, and Download)
10. The 99 Most Essential Spring Classics, Various Artists
    (Preview, Purchase, and Download)

Bellini's "Casta Diva" is one of the best examples of the bel canto style of singing.  This piece is highly regarded, and many sopranos strive to perform the aria flawlessly. But it was Dame Joan Sutherland who set the bar.  Even though she was often criticized for poor diction (and rightfully so), her delivery of the notes is unparalleled.  Watch a Youtube video of Dame Joan Sutherland performing "Casta Diva" and follow along with the "Casta Diva" lyrics and translation.