Rachmaninoff was exceptional as highlighted in the film Rush. He wrote on the basis that he had a reach far wider than an octave. If you can play his second then the stage beckons.
Nabucco and chorus of the Hebrew Slaves is haunting.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHOfwLpXkY8
but the anvil chorus is quite superb
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjMHCzoneuM
Jo Green AC Milan 1850-75.