Cecilia Bartoli sings Mission: Newly discovered opera arias by Agostino Steffani
With Philippe Jaroussky, Diego Fasolis, and I Barrocchisti
Cast
Cecilia Bartoli — Mezzo-soprano
Philippe Jaroussky — Countertenor
Coro della Radiotelevisione Svizzera
I Barocchisti
Diego Fasolis — Harpsichordist, organist, conductor
Program notes
Cecilia Bartoli unearths a spellbinding selection of arias ranging from the explosively energetic ("Svenati, struggiti, combatti") to the ethereally beautiful ("Sfere amiche"), all by Agostino Steffani—"a forgotten genius," according to the beloved diva, "who's been overlooked for far too long." The Roman mezzo-soprano, who possesses one of the most spectacular voices of our time—as well as superhuman lung capacity, incredible vocal agility, and stunning expressivity—is also a champion of lesser-known repertoire, bringing to light composers like Steffani, a singer, instrumentalist, diplomat, and Venetian bishop of the Baroque period.
With the impeccable musicians of period orchestra I Barrocchisti under Diego Fasolis, as well as a special appearance by renowned countertenor Philippe Jaroussky, Steffani's music resonates grandly—as if for the very first time—amid the marbled and golden opulence of the Palace of Versailles. This dazzling audiovisual production is a prime example of the boldness, willingness to take risks, and faultless vocal prowess that have won the virtuosic Bartoli such a singular and brilliant career.