Cecilia Bartoli - Gluck: Italian Arias

Dive into the enchanting world of Baroque and early Classical opera with Cecilia Bartoli's captivating album, "Gluck: Italian Arias," featuring the timeless compositions of Christoph Willibald Gluck. This exquisite collection, released in 2001 under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, showcases Bartoli's extraordinary vocal prowess and her commitment to resurrecting forgotten operatic gems.

The album spans a rich tapestry of arias from Gluck's early works, including selections from "La Clemenza di Tito," "Il Parnaso confuso," "Ezio," "La Semiramide riconosciuta," and "La Corona." Each piece is a testament to Gluck's dramatic genius and Bartoli's ability to bring these historic arias to life with vivid intensity and beauty. The album also includes a rare performance of "Berenice che fai" from the manuscript of "Antigono," edited by Claudio Osele.

Accompanied by the Akademie für Alte Musik Berlin, conducted by Bernhard Forck, Bartoli delivers a tour de force of dramatic singing. The ensemble's meticulous attention to historical performance practices ensures an authentic and immersive listening experience. Recorded in the Studios of the Deutsches Filmorchester Babelsberg, Berlin, the album benefits from pristine sound quality, allowing every nuance of Bartoli's voice and the orchestra's playing to shine.

This album is not just a collection of arias but a journey through the evolution of operatic style, bridging the gap between the Baroque and Classical eras. Bartoli's passion for uncovering and revitalizing lesser-known works shines through, making "Gluck: Italian Arias" a standout addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. With its rich historical context and stunning performances, this album is a celebration of both Gluck's enduring legacy and Bartoli's artistic brilliance.