coloratura cecilia

Mention the word ‘coloratura’ to certain opera lovers and they’re bound to think of sopranos singing mad scenes or songs about birds or larks while letting off a dazzling array of high notes and runs that would confound any normal singer.  But centuries ago there were young men known as ‘castrati’ who performed this sort of repertoire thanks to the assistance of a certain ‘operation’ (all of which is described in the highly informative CD booklet).  Now Cecilia Bartoli has made this repertoire her own on this stunning new Decca CD which comes in a normal and a special 2 CD edition.    

Fans of the lovely Cecilia will know what to expect from their idol.  Needless to say, she delivers a stunning album with runs and embellishments that would have tested even the most brilliant members of the ‘golden age’ coloratura set.  Much of this music has never been recorded before (there are eleven world premiere recordings) and not all of it is florid.  There are one or two really fine slower arias which show off Bartoli’s lovely legato to perfection.  

I haven’t yet seen the deluxe edition but the art work included in the normal issue is stunning.