Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Evening of DELIGHT
In brief, I found I was thrilled with the overall performance. Being a singer myself, and one who does sing this type of music, I did see some weaknesses that are starting to creep in -- a strange breathiness of tone in the piano notes, and a developing weakness in the middle range ( stretching too much for the beautiful, but unneeded top E flat in "Riedi al sogio" ). However, I did enjoy the intellegence behind the interpretations. The only numbers that really disappointed were: "Canto negro" and "the Seguedille" from Carmen. The first was simply an ugly piece which Bartoli's voice couldn't correct, and the second was simply unimpressive. As wonderful as she may be on stage, a Carmen she is not, at least not yet. However, for me, I will accept a few "bad notes" if the musical truth comes through and I am moved. I was moved! No performance and no performer are perfect, but when they move the innermost reaches of the soul, well, they have succeeded. Bartoli moves me, and thrills me. Is this her best album, perhaps not, but it is live and assumed "unedited." It gives a flare not always found in studio albums. And in closing, not all of the glory can go to her alone. Her accompanists ( the orchestra and particular the pianist, Jean-Yves Thibaudet ) deserve great appreciation. Poor accompaniment can kill even the greatest artist's creations, great accompaniments give an undesputed seal of finesse to a dedicated artist's performance. I whole heartedly recommend it, even if only for the evident joy radiated by the performers.
Rating: - One of my favourite Bartoli albums!
I have completely fallen in love with this album! It illustrates quite candidly that Bartoli might be one of the greatest artists (or has the POTENTIAL to be one of the greats) of our time. This performace shows her growing agility and expanding repertoire. True, she does do Mozart and Rossini well, but I found the real jewels in this album were her arie antiche selections and the technically demanding Vivaldi. The "Canto Negro" was disturbing on the first listen, but more from the nature of the piece rather than Bartoli's rendering of it. The only piece that was somewhat peculiar, but still very beautiful, was the Carmen Seguedille. It was very seductive and Carmen-ish, but very different from all of the Carmens I've heard. Some might find it inappropriate, as it is not really in-line with the Carmen we all know and love, which I attribute to her lack of dramatic acting skills. She's wonderful in comedy. Her December Met performance of Susannah in M of Figaro was excellent; comical and well sung, but I have yet to see her handle a dramatic/tragic role. Only time will tell! Bartoli is definitely on her way, and this album shows her increasing boldness in venturing into new material. Although her pianissimo singing kind of leaves something to be desired (very breathy) and her lower range is admittedly dark and moderately swallowed, she does not seem to be suffering from these notoriously dangerous flaws. I was particularily impressed by her range. In the past she has stuck fairly close to traditional mezzo pieces, not venturing high up the staff, but this album is an exception. It is one if my favourite CDs currently because of the varied paces of the chosen pieces, and Cecilia's mastery of them (although I very often do not have it at home to listen to because all my friends are constantly borrowing it). Her accompaninest, Jean-Yves Thibaudet, is quite exceptional as well and does a great job of making her positive qualities shine through. I think everyone will find something delightful in this CD!
Rating:  - Cecilia Live
I've loved her low and warm voice ever since the first time I listened to her, the Italian mezzo-soprano Cecilia Bartoli. With respect and tenderness she treats the composers, whose works she performs while adding her own dimension. She transports me with her art. It is as if we become one person, and I experience her joy of music. Together we share a glimpse of eternity.On this album which was recorded live at the Teatro Olimpico, Vicenza, Italy in 1998 Cecilia Bartoli offers her listeners a varied programme comprised of several composers: Caccini, Haendel, Vivaldi, Mozart, Rossini, Donizetti, Bellini, Viardot, Schubert, Montsalvatge and Bizet. She's accompanied in Caccini, Haendel and Vivaldi by the Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca (Baroque string ensemble) and for the other pieces by Jean-Yves Thibaudet on piano. The accompanying booklet contains the lyrics, translations and further information. Ms. Bartoli certainly has expanded her musical horizons here in several ways. On this disc she sings in Italian, French and Spanish. I loved her intense and heartfelt rendition of Caccini's and Haendel's arias. The passionate acrobatics of Vivaldi. And the Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca gave her a fine support. She made a warm and lovely Cherubino in Mozart's famous 'Voi che sapete'. I also loved her sparkling interpretations of Viardot's 'Havanaise', Rossini's 'Mi lagnero tacendo' or his 'Canzonetta spagnuola'. But Montsalvatge's 'Canto negro' made me feel definitely uncomfortable and Ms. Bartoli herself didn't connect with it. Although I liked her rendition of Bizet's 'Seguedille, I still missed something there. Jean-Yves Thibaudet lends her an excellent, attentive and expressive support. Although I would have preferred some more Baroque pieces at this concert, this live album is a keeper for me. Everytime the bundle of pure joy that is Cecilia Bartoli has the power to move me deeply!
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