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In the first decade of the 18th century opera was forbidden in Rome. But music was in great demand: and opera was replaced by oratorio, whose performances were taking place in religious institutions such as seminaries and colleges. In “Opera proibita” Miss Bartoli sings 15 oratorio arias, by Haendel (the “Italian” Haendel), Antonio Caldara and Alessandro Scarlatti. There is an internal order in the CD, so that “largo” movements alternate with “presto”. Ms. Bartoli’s voice is nice and the singer is mostly at her ease, especially in the largos, that are really charming and usually are also deeply moving. If you wish to hear oratorio sung with all the passion of opera, with a genuine sense of pathos, this is your CD, and a beautiful CD, indeed. Mr. Minkovsky and his period-instrument Louvre orchestra are providing admirable sounds, and more than once they are the real stars in the recording. What’s less admirable? Ms. Bartoli coloratura is quite peculiar, especially in the prestos, her “fioritura” sometimes is not far from a yelp and her trill is often unsteady. But, what’s more, her fioritura is like a punk/rock performance of coloratura; it’s certainly "modern" classical music, as to say, a coloratura of our times, aiming not to be beautiful, but to be stunning. And so it is.Read full review
Bartoli has a disciplined mezzo voice. Enjoyable and relaxing.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Cecilia Bartoli has a lot of vibrato, and in some of the Baroque songs, which are played very quickly (conductor was in a hurry?), you can find yourself thinking about what would happen if turkey hunters used this CD to draw their prey closer in. A good choice for amatori of Miss Bartoli's repertoire, though.
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