Joyce DiDonato, the acclaimed mezzo-soprano, presents "Stella di Napoli," a captivating journey through the bel canto era with this 2014 release on Erato/Warner Classics. The album spans a little over an hour and features a stunning collection of arias from various operas, showcasing DiDonato's exceptional vocal range and emotional depth.
The tracklist is a treasure trove of lesser-known gems and beloved classics, including works by Pacini, Bellini, Carafa, Rossini, Mercadante, Donizetti, and Valentini. DiDonato's interpretation of these pieces is nothing short of breathtaking, with her signature warmth and clarity of tone bringing each character to life. The album opens with "Ove t'aggiri, o barbaro" from Pacini's "Stella di Napoli" and closes with "L'ama ognor qual io l'amai" from Pacini's "Saffo," creating a full-circle moment that highlights DiDonato's versatility.
"Stella di Napoli" is a testament to DiDonato's artistry and her deep connection to the bel canto repertoire. Her performances are accompanied by the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment, conducted by Riccardo Frizza, with each note meticulously crafted to evoke the drama and passion of the 19th century. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
Pacini: Stella di Napoli, Part I: "Ove t'aggiri, o barbaro" (Stella, Marta)Giovanni Pacini, Joyce DiDonato, Riccardo Minasi, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon
Bellini: Adelson e Salvini, Act 1: "Dopo l'oscuro nembo" (Nelly)Vincenzo Bellini, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Carafa: Le nozze di Lammermoor, Act 2: "L'amica ancor non torna... Oh, di sorte crudel" (Lucia)Michele Carafa, Joyce DiDonato, Jean-Michel Bertelli, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Rossini: Zelmira, Act 2: "Riedi al soglio" (Zelmira, Polidoro, Ilo)Gioachino Rossini, Joyce DiDonato, Choeur De l'Opéra National De Lyon, Nabil Suliman, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi, Rémi Mathieu
Mercadante: La vestale, Act 2: "Se fino al cielo ascendere" (Giunia)Saverio Mercadante, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Donizetti: Elisabetta al castello di Kenilworth, Act 3: "Par che mi dica ancora" (Amelia)Gaetano Donizetti, Joyce DiDonato, Morgane Fauchois, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Bellini: I Capuleti e i Montecchi, Act 2: "Tu sola, o mia Giulietta... Deh! tu, bell'anima" (Romeo)Vincenzo Bellini, Joyce DiDonato, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Valentini: Il sonnambulo, Act 1: "Lasciami... Se il mar sommesso mormora" (Adele, Sofia)Carlo Valentini, Joyce DiDonato, Héloise Mas, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Donizetti: Maria Stuarda, Act 3: "Io vi rivedo alfin... Deh! Tu di un'umile preghiera" (Maria)Gaetano Donizetti, Joyce DiDonato, Choeur De l'Opéra National De Lyon, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi
Pacini: Saffo, Act 3: "Flutto che muggi... Teco dall'are pronube... L'ama ognor qual io l'amai" (Saffo, Faone, Climene, Alcandro)Giovanni Pacini, Joyce DiDonato, Choeur De l'Opéra National De Lyon, Héloise Mas, Nabil Suliman, Orchestre De L'Opéra National De Lyon, Riccardo Minasi, Rémi Mathieu
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