Vinci, Leonardo: Cervo in bosco (from Il Medo) (Climaco/Giasone's aria)

Cecilia Bartoli is loved the world over for vocal fireworks and spectacular coloratura, but she is also adored for her spine-tingling pianissimi and her ability to shape endless, velvety phrases. For the first time, this product will focus on the irresistibly sensual side of Cecilia Bartoli's art. It has been conceived as a popular “mood” or lifestyle compilation — presenting quieter arias showcasing Cecilia's vocal beauty, sensuality and emotion. “Sospiri” is designed to present this most accessible aspect of Cecilia Bartoli's art to the broadest popular-classical market.

“Sospiri” will contain favourite arias by Mozart and Handel, bel canto jewels by Bellini and Rossini and treasures by Vivaldi as well as music which Cecilia Bartoli has “rediscovered” on her recent record-breaking solo albums.

For Cecilia’s existing fans, the Prestige Edition includes a previously unreleased aria and world premiere recording of Vinci’s Cervo in bosco, one of Farinelli’s calling-card arias.

Both formats include a new interpretation of Rosina's aria Una voce poco fa, from Il Barbiere di Siviglia - the dazzling aria of young love, the role in which Cecilia Bartoli first shot to international stardom. She infuses this new interpretation with all her knowledge of the baroque and classical tradition on which Rossini’s music was founded, her experience of period practice and critical reading of the manuscripts, together with a playfulness and variety of colors which she has acquired over the years. On this track recorded during the Maria sessions Cecilia Bartoli is accompanied by a fantastic period practice orchestra, Orchestra La Scintilla.

The Prestige Edition also includes several duets, two popular ones: Mozart’s Là ci darem la mano with Bryn Terfel and Mascagni’s Tutto tace (Cherry duet) with Luciano Pavarotti and features a very original one with Maxim Vengerov: Mendelssohn’s Ah, ritorna, an excerpt from the rarely performed concert aria Infelice!

This beautiful album will be available in two CD formats.

2CD Prestige Edition (NOT limited edition) in luxurious gift packaging; includes a special bonus CD showcasing earlier recordings of Cecilia Bartoli with best-loved sacred classics by Bach, Mozart, Fauré and more. This bonus Sacred Arias CD is a real rarity in the discography of Cecilia Bartoli, and it makes the 2CD Prestige Edition a MUST HAVE item for the gift season