A PORTRAIT (by Cecilia Bartoli)

SUMMARY:               RUNNING TIME: 75:00 Min.

In 1995, Decca (or Decca Records) released this first compilation album celebrating Italian coloratura mezzo-soprano, Cecilia Bartoli.  On various tracks, her musical collaborators include: Lesley Schatzberger; Christopher Hogwood; György Fischer; András Schiff; Charles Spencer; Ion Marin; & Riccardo Chailly.  Also participating are The Vienna Chamber Orchestra; Orchestra of La Fenice Venice; and the Bologna Teatro Communale.

Grouped by composer, Bartoli’s sixteen tracks are:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart:

1. La Clemenza Di Tito K 621 – Parto, Parto, Ma Tu, Ben Mio     Running Time: 6:15
2. Così Fan Tutte, K 588 – Temerari! … Come Scoglio      Running Time: 5:48
3. Così Fan Tutte, K 588 – In Vomini, In Soldati            Running Time: 2:39
4. Le Nozze Di Figaro, K 492 – Voi Che Sapete             Running Time: 2:48
5. Le Nozze Di Figaro, K 492 – Giunse Alfin II Momento… Deh Vieni  Running Time: 5:24
6. Don Giovanni, K 527 – Batti … O Bel Masetto           Running Time: 3:45
7. Ch’lo Mi Scordi Di Te … Non Temer, Amato Bene K 505     Running Time: 10:15

Alessandro Parisott

• Se Tu M’Ami                                      Running Time: 2:33

Umberto Giordano

• Caro Mio Ben                                     Running Time: 2:46

Guilio Caccini

1. Amarilli                                            Running Time: 3:12

Franz Schubert

1. La Pastorella                                        Running Time: 2:14
2. Vedi Quanto Adoro Ancora Ingrato! – Didone Abandonetta  Running Time: 4:53

Gioachino Rossini

1. Belta Crudele                                                     Running Time: 4:42
2. Semiramide – Bel Raggio Lusinghier                     Running Time: 7:58
3. Maometto II – Giusto Ciel, In Tal Periglio            Running Time: 3:26
4. La Cenerentola – Nacqui All’Affanno, Non Piú Mesta    Running Time: 7:14

REVIEW:

Enjoyable for either experienced or aspiring opera buffs, Bartoli’s impressive vocal talents as a storyteller are given their just due.  Decca ensures that listeners get their money’s worth, as far as the diverse track selection goes.  Filled with Bartoli’s vibrant sound, A Portrait is absolutely well-played!

PACKAGING:

Decca delivers high-quality production values.

BRIAN’S ODD MOON RATING:                      9 Stars