Limited Edition Hardcover Book Version!

'That marvellous creature! She surpassed all her imitators. and all the women I have ever known by her flashing temperament.' Gioachino Rossini.

'Opera. must make one weep, shudder, die.' Vincenzo Bellini

Genius, scandal and death! Cecilia Bartoli explores the world of Maria Malibran, first goddess of Romanticism. The world's most popular opera singer's new recording, Maria, features 8 world premiere recordings, a duet with violin star Maxim Vengerov and a return for the singer to her bel canto roots.

Romantic icon, Bel canto muse, and the most extraordinary opera star of her time, Maria Malibran was the leading singer of Rossini, Bellini and Donizetti. Cecilia Bartoli has unearthed many forgotten opera jewels associated with this legendary performer. The album features several 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 programme additionally includes popular favourites such as Bellini's 'Casta diva' from Norma.

Maria features an incredible variety of music. Mellifluous Bel canto delights are contrasted with regional flavours from around the world: from Spanish flamenco to Tyrolienne yodelling. The album exhibits Cecilia Bartoli singing in four languages: Italian, Spanish, French and English.

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