Cecilia Bartoli - Maria (Deluxe Hardcover Edition)

Maria is available in a limited CD-sized hardcover package and in this VERY SPECIAL, larger, limited-edition hardcover book (24cm x 24cm), which features the complete album on CD, a DVD documentary and 200+ full color pages displaying the story behind the album and Cecilia Bartoli's personal collection of Maria Malibran artifacts.

Cecilia Bartoli revisits the early Romantic era of Rossini, Bellini and their contemporaries and views the Bel canto glory days through the eyes of Maria Malibran: Romantic icon, Bel Canto muse, and the most extraordinary opera star of her time. Maria features 8 world premiere recordings including the prayer `Se il mio desir...Cedi al duol' from the long lost opera Irene by Pacini, and the aria `E non lo vedo...Son regina' by Maria's father, the famous Rossini tenor Manuel Garcia. Bartoli also presents the London version of Mendelssohn's `Infelice' for voice, violin solo and orchestra, where she duets with Maxim Vengerov. The album also includes popular favorites, such as Bellini's `Casta Diva' from Norma. Maria features an incredible variety of music. Mellifluous Bel canto delights are contrasted with regional flavors from around the world: from Spanish flamenco to Tyrolienne yodeling. The album exhibits Cecilia Bartoli singing in four languages: Italian, Spanish, French and English. She is joined by the period practice Orchestra La Scintilla, led by Hungarian conductor Adam Fischer. Album Description

not worth it - zero stars if that is possible

The book is egotistical and current photos of Ms. Bartoli were superimposed on the original artifacts of Ms. Malibran. This person is obsessed with this other singer. If this was supposed to be funny, it should have been reviewed that way. February 25, 2008

Maria Ceciia Bartoli

The product arrived in excellent condition as promised and when indicated.
I would order through this company again without hesitation. February 19, 2008

Cecilia is not your average diva

I watched the DVD with my long-time voice teacher. In addition to her awesome vocal talent, Cecilia never ceases to impress us by her musicianship, enthusiasm and ability to discuss her projects. I withheld the 5th star because I thought there would be more to the DVD, but what was there was simply wonderful. The book is overwhelming--beautifully packaged and presented. The audio CD is, of course, superbly done. It's nice to hear "new" old material done for a change! January 15, 2008

A vocal voyage to the past

I had never heard about Maria Malibran as the Romantic era is not of my taste. However, knowing of Cecilia Bartoli's magnificent voice as well as her keen academic researches, I bought this set as soon as I could. It delivered far more for me than I expected. Not only the performances were astounding, eight world premieres included, but the DVD was informative and the book excellent- Now, I know about Malibran, who she was and something about a fantastic era in the history of music. No music lover should be left without one. You can buy the CD alone, but you will miss the DVD, which shows Bartoli's deep interest in Malibran, her times and voice capabilities, as well as her interest in the history of music and the role of women in it. As they used to say in the old stereo magazines: it is highly recommended. December 7, 2007

A wonderful project by a wonderful artist.

Cecilia Bartoli's 20th recording for Decca - a stunning album with a devastatingly beautiful book and a bonus DVD.
Even if you do not also consider Ms Bartoli to own a very beautiful voice, this is nonetheless a great singer. The tracks in this album demonstrate that Ms Bartoli's artistry has once again soared to new heights when recreating those arias used to be the repertoire of the legendary mezzo Maria Garcia. Listen to her exquisite coloraturas, hitherto noisy and forced at places, but now placed under complete dynamic control in this recording. An artist who is never tired in improving herself. Cecilia's singing is, as has always been, very affecting. The gift of musicianship to this singer is ample, and her interpretative capabilities seems uncontainably abundant.
A great album to own, and this deluxe set is definitely preferred to the ordinary package, if you can afford it. November 21, 2007

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