Cecilia Bartoli: The Passion of Song
by Kim Chernin, Renate Stendhal
Category: Music

Cecilia Bartoli, still only in her thirties, has risen to the top of the opera world. Her astonishing mezzo coloratura has been called the finest since those of Marilyn Horne and Teresa Berganza, her recordings have sold in the millions, and her concerts are sold out in hours. What has made Bartoli such a sensation? Cecilia Bartoli: The Passion of Song provides a compelling insight into Bartoli's background and character. The book includes exclusive interview material with the singer herself; her mother, Silvana Bazzoni, Bartoli's one and only teacher; her manager; the top opera directors who have worked with her; and her record producer. It also examines the marketing of Bartoli as a young, attractive woman; the effect that this has had on Bartoli's reputation as a singer; and the myths and prejudices that now surround her. The book is complete with a detailed discography and performance guide to the first ten years of Bartoli's career, charting her development as a performer.