Dive into the enchanting world of opera and classical music with Cecilia Bartoli's "A Portrait," a captivating album released in 1995 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label. This collection, spanning a little over an hour, showcases the remarkable talent of Cecilia Bartoli, one of the most celebrated mezzo-sopranos of our time. The album is a testament to her vocal prowess and versatility, featuring a diverse range of arias and songs that highlight her extraordinary abilities.
"Cecilia Bartoli - A Portrait" includes iconic pieces from some of the most beloved operas, such as Mozart's "La clemenza di Tito," "Così fan tutte," "Le nozze di Figaro," and "Don Giovanni." The album also features works by Rossini, Pergolesi, and other notable composers, providing a rich tapestry of musical styles and eras. Each track is meticulously performed, showcasing Bartoli's ability to convey depth and nuance in her singing.
The album's tracklist is a journey through some of the most beautiful and challenging arias in the classical repertoire. From the tender and heartfelt "Come scoglio" to the lively and spirited "Deh vieni, non tardar," Bartoli's interpretations are both technically impressive and deeply expressive. Her rendition of "Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto" from Rossini's "La Cenerentola" is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating her ability to handle both dramatic and lyrical passages with ease.
"Cecilia Bartoli - A Portrait" is not just an album; it's a celebration of Cecilia Bartoli's artistry and her contribution to the world of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The high-quality production and Bartoli's exquisite vocals make this a standout release in her discography.
La clemenza di Tito / Act 1: "Parto, ma tu ben mio"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Così fan tutte, K. 588, Act I: Recit. Temerari – No. 14, Aria. Come scoglioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, György Fischer
Così fan tutte, K. 588, Act I: No. 12, Aria. In uomini, in soldatiWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, György Fischer
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492, Act II: No. 12, Voi che sapeteWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, György Fischer
Le nozze di Figaro, K. 492, Act IV: No. 28, Giunse alfin il momento – Deh vieni, non tardarWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, György Fischer
Don Giovanni, K. 527, Act I: No. 12, Batti, batti, o bel MasettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, Franz Bartolomey, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, György Fischer
Ch'io mi scordi di te – Non temer, amato bene, K. 505Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Cecilia Bartoli, András Schiff, Vienna Chamber Orchestra, György Fischer
Se tu m'ami (formerly attributed to Pergolesi)Alessandro Parisotti, Cecilia Bartoli, György Fischer
Caro mio benTommaso Giordani, Cecilia Bartoli, György Fischer
Amarilli mia bellaGiulio Caccini, Cecilia Bartoli, György Fischer
La pastorella, D.528Franz Schubert, Cecilia Bartoli, András Schiff
Vedi quanto adoro ancora ingrato!, D.510Franz Schubert, Cecilia Bartoli, András Schiff
Beltà crudeleGioachino Rossini, Cecilia Bartoli, Charles Spencer
Semiramide / Act 1: Bel raggio lusinghierGioachino Rossini, Cecilia Bartoli, Chorus Del Gran Teatro La Fenice, Orchestra Del Gran Teatro La Fenice, Ion Marin
Maometto II / Act 1: (3b) Preghiera: "Giusto Cielo, in tal periglio" (Anna, Coro) - Scena: "Ahi, padre!" (Anna, Erisso)Gioachino Rossini, Cecilia Bartoli, Chorus Del Gran Teatro La Fenice, Orchestra Del Gran Teatro La Fenice, Ion Marin
La Cenerentola / Act 2: "Nacqui all'affanno e al pianto" - "Non più mesta"Gioachino Rossini, Fernanda Costa, Cecilia Bartoli, Gloria Banditelli, Enzo Dara, Michele Pertusi, Alessandro Corbelli, William Matteuzzi, Coro del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Orchestra del Teatro Comunale di Bologna, Riccardo Chailly