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 new release focuses 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' contains 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.

This beautiful album is available in two CD formats: a 1 CD jewel case and a 2 CD Prestige Edition (NB NOT limited edition).

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 colours 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 includes a previously unreleased aria and world premiere recording of Vinci’s Cervo in bosco, one of Farinelli’s calling card arias. 

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 a very original one with Maxim Vengerov: Mendelssohn’s Ah, ritorna, an excerpt from the rarely performed concert aria Infelice.

Contents:
1. "Lascia la spina cogli la rosa" [Handel: Il Trionfo del Tiempo e del Disinganno]
2. Gelido in ogni vena [Vivaldi: Il Farnace / Act 2 Scene 5]
3. Sposa, non mi conosci [Giacomelli: Merope]
4. Quel buon pastor son io [Caldara: La Morte d'Abel]
5. "Voi che sapete" [Mozart: Le nozze di Figaro, K.492 - Original version, Vienna 1786 / Act 2]
6. "Là ci darem la mano" [Mozart: Don Giovanni / Act 1]
7. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes
8. Ah! non credea mirarti si presto estinto, o fiore [Bellini: La Sonnambula / Act 2]
9. "Cari giorni" (Romanza der Ines) [Persiani: Ines di Castro]
10. Una voce poco fa [Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia / Act 1]
11. Casta Diva [Bellini: Norma / Act 1]
12. Panis Angelicus [Franck: Panis Angelicus]
13. Pie Jesu [Fauré: Requiem, Op.48]

Total Playing Time: 1:11:50