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63 of 66 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The soul of bel canto, October 16, 2007
Maria Malibran was the first true Diva of opera, not just of bel canto.
Her traumatic childhood, her flexible octave range, her incredible coloratura and her beauty made her a larger than life personality in the early 19th century.
Maria was a natural contralto, but thanks to the training she received by her iron fisted father (Rossini's favorite tenor, Manuel Garcia) she developed a vocal range of over 3 octaves (low D to D or E above high C) while keeping the dark timbre throught her range.
In this collection of arias we get a beautiful example of what this Diva was capable of, and of course many of these pieces are virtual unknowns that didn't survive in popularity during the verismo period but they are absolutely stunning.
This album could be described as a jewel box, each song is a precious stone. I believe this is Cecilia's most beautiful and elegant work to date, each song is a good example of bel canto.
Cecilia's 3+ range fits perfectly in this repetoire, and as always she did it all historically correct using La Malibran's ornamentation whenever possible.
The first 4 arias showcase what bel canto is all about, a pure attack of the pitch, smooth legatto and graceful coloratura, no forced high notes (even on the high C's) and no cackling on the coloratura.
"Yo soy el contrabandista" is an enjoyable example of the compositions by Manuel Garcia and also suits Cecilia's love for flamenco.
The scene from "La sonnambula" is absolutely beautiful and historically correct (since it was originally written for the mezzo voice).
In track 16 Cecilia shows us her low register (possibly the lowest I've heard her go, to low E) and in tracks 9 and 11 she showcases her upper register in solid high C's.
It must be mentioned this recording is tuned to A-432, the historical tuning of bel canto...and it truly pays off.
For any bel canto lover, opera lover or art lover this is a MUST!
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18 of 21 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A fascinating concept that is implemented well, November 7, 2007
The concept is intriguing: mezzo soprano Cecilia Bartoli takes a shot at the works associated with the great (if short-lived) opera singer Maria Malibran (1808-1836). Accompanying the CD is a DVD that provides context about the making of this CD and about the larger context. There is also a nice book that provides additional context (including information about Maria Malibran, pictures of Malibran artifacts, words to songs/arias, etc.).
In the end, though, it's the music. . . . An intriguing array of works. The composers whose work Malibran sang included her father, Manuel Garcia, lesser known composers such as Johann Hummel, Giuseppe Persiani, Malibran herself, Vincenzo Bellini, and so on. An intriguing set of works.
More interesting: from what I can tell, one of these, from Bellini's "I Puritani," uses Malibran's own version as the template.
Some examples. . . . She begins with "Si un mio desir" from Pacini's "Catania." Her low voice provides a rich tone to this piece. She also displays a pretty competent trill.
Bartoli's version of Malibran's father's work, "Yo que soy contrabandista," is intriguing. The guitar backing is pleasing. Bartoli's lustrous voice serves this work well. She shows a fair amount of vocal agility here.
Then, something most interesting. She takes on Bellini's "Ah! non credea mirarti" and the accompanying cabaletta "Ah! non giunge." Normally this is associated with the high flying coloratura sopranos. One expects a Sutherland or a Jo or a Sills to take this on. But, the book convincingly argues, this was the territory of mezzos in Bellini's time (Malibran, apparently, could sing the mezzo range). And the lower tone of Bartoli provides a refreshing approach. Her version of the cabaletta sure sounds afar from the sopranos, but she makes it work. She takes this at a brisk pace, not as heavily ornamented by the leading coloratura sopranos of recent decades. Nonetheless, it is an interesting version. The repeat is more florid, and her deeper voice adds a compelling touch, at least from my listening. She displays considerable agility here.
Then, there is Malibran's own "Rataplan" (composed in 1836, the year of her death at a young 28). This air begins with drums. This is a lively tune, and Bartoli handles the pace and effects composed by Malibran well.
What does one not think of when thinking of a mezzo? "Vien diletto" from Bellini's "I Puritani." Again, we think of Sutherland and other coloratura sopranos. Here, Bartoli sings Malibran's own version of this cabaletta. I'm not sure that I'm completely enchanted with Malibran's version (portrayed by Bartoli), but approaches have obviously changed over time. And this picture from the past is pretty satisfying. The pace is quite a bit slower than what most of us will be used to. But the sound of a rich mezzo taking this on is something that makes one think again about approaches to this piece.
And so on. . . . The CD closes with Bartoli's rendition of "Casta Diva" from Bellini's "Norma." Suffice it to say that this is another interesting rendition of a work that is not normally thought of as within the ambit of a mezzo soprano.
This is really an interesting CD (with accompanying book and DVD to make this a bargain, in my view). If you accept the underlying concept, I'm pretty sure that most listeners will find this a very special offering.
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10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bartoli's Depth And Emotional Intensity Is Overwhelming!, November 11, 2007
The depth and intensity which Bartoli reaches in her depictions of the human soul have always been fascinating and the tribute given here bear witness to this response. Cecilia Bartoli's ability here, to bring together the relation between music and poetry lies in her expressive power allowing a continuation of the archetypal Romantic artist Maria Malibran and the position she imposed upon society. When Bartoli sings 'Ines De Castro' she creates such exceptional sentiment, 'bel canto' vocalism, and heartfelt passion. Like Malibran, Bartoli possesses the instrument and various timbres favoured in the early decades of the nineteenth century. Once Bartoli plunges into 'Yo Que Soy Contrabandista' her ability to characterise the role comes to the forefront conveying the young "gypsy" and wildly demonstrating a vocal range from a deep mezzo-soprano to a Rossini-like coloratura. It is highly evident that Bartoli has a thoroughly studied understanding of the period which is enthralling demonstrated by the collaboration between her and the Orchestra La Scintilla in Bellini's 'Norma'. The relationship is one that opens a new found expressive mode. The performance possesses exceptional and varied talents, conveying generous sentiment, devotion, depth and passion. Bartoli's powers of dramatic and musical expression are inspirational. Her approach to the repertoire of the Romantic era has magnificent depth with an exquisite 'bel canto' so essential to the period.
Bartoli may be returning to the Romantic era to explore it thoroughly, but in my professional opinion this recording will be one that other singers will be measured by!
Author: Raymond Vacchino M.Mus.(MT) A.Mus. L.R.S.M. Licentiate (honorary)
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~ Gioachino Rossini
~ Cecilia Bartoli
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~ George Frideric Handel
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