Cecilia Bartoli - If You Love Me (Se tu m'ami ), 18th-Century Italian Songs
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From the simple to the sublime : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2008-01-24 |
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| Cecilia Bartoli may not be the finest mezzo-soprano extant but few would doubt her exceptional artistry and professionalism. In "Se tu m'ami", she transforms simple, even primitive, melodies into beautiful, dare I say, rapturous arias, in the finest bel canto tradition. I now understand why Paisiello was a favourite of Buonaparte and why I should now acknowledge Vivaldi for his considerable versatility and creativity. The disc now occupies a top shelf in my CD rack. Bravissimo Cecilia. |
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Awe inspiring : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2007-11-20 |
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| Even for the non opera afficianado, these beautiful songs, rendered with exquisite style and grace and meticulous accompaniment,make for enthralling listening. I listen to this album more than any other I have ever owned. I simply never get tired of the songs. It is a true collection that builds one on the other. It becomes totally engrossing placing the listener in a world all its own. |
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Bartoli masterclass in early italian songs : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2007-08-24 |
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| This disc is a perfect example for young singers studying from the 24 or 26 Italian Songs and Arias and the like. Cecilia Bartoli posesses a beautiful voice. |
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useful : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2007-04-10 |
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I feel like recommending this compilation to neophites wanting to listen to some old arias to learn if they like this genre and to singing students:
Ms Bartoli's voice is not beautiful, nor perfect when heard live, but her technique sounds perfectly good on record. Here and there her voice gets harsh, flat, losing brilliance and warmth, but most of the time one can concentrate on the accurate rendering of these old and beautiful arias.
She wisely decided to follow the letter of Parisotti's score, therefore meeting the need of all singing students of having a reference for their study. The agility is outstanding but pronunciation and expression, as well as the perfect gusto in presenting the phrases, are what make this compilation worthwhile. Not a word goes wasted or neglected but her being Italian and her sensitivity manage to avoid overkill.
One could wish she would publish compilations of single authors of the xvi and xvii centuries, edited according to philological criteria or else other compilations of the dated but still useful Parisotti edition. |
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Cecilia Bartoli at her best. : Powered by Amazon
Posted on 2007-03-06 |
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A great singer is one who dedicates singing to the text itself instead to himself/herself.
This is achieved 100% by Ms. Bartoli in this earlier album of hers. The recordings here cannot be termed otherwise than 'immaculate'. The very opening song 'Gia sole dal gange' is a display of Bartoli's unique timbre in its full beauty - glorious, rich and full. Many singers could tackle the range of this song, mezzos or sopranos, but who could pull it off in the manner as Ms. Bartoli? Credit to the one who picked this as the opening song of this fantastic album.
The songs following come in different styles and moods, all given full authentic interpretations by the singer. Compare the 'Vittoria, vittoria mio core' to 'Intorno al'idol mio' or 'Amarilli, mio bella' the vast contrast of mood, brought out equally well. The songs' requirement of versatility of interpretation is fully catered for.
I hate it when people say that this is a learners' album accompanying the 24 Italian Songs edited by one publisher. Such remarks could barely do justice to Ms. Bartoli's superb artistry, though admittedly, this CD would be an invaluable one for THAT purpose. What about the songs NOT included in the 24 Italian songs? |
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