Cecilia Bartoli: If You Love Me / Se tu m'ami: 18th-century Italian songs

The chart-topping collection of 18th-century Italian songs ( arie antiche ) arranged by the great Parisotti, and starring the lovely Ms. Bartoli accompanied by Gyorgy Fischer on piano. Includes five songs by Scarlatti; Vivaldi's Sposa Son Disprezzata , and songs by Caccini, Caldara, Paisiello, Pergolesi and others. A London recording.

The 17th-century Italian art song repertory traditionally reserved for novice singers is given new life via Bartoli's artistry. With impeccable diction and evocative phrasing, she captures every innuendo of these simple, but passionate, pieces. No two repetitive phrases are alike; she chisels every line into a landscape of interpretive magnificence. Scarlatti's simple "O Cessate di Piagarmi" becomes a testament of innocent pain and plaintiveness. Giordano's "Caro Mio Ben" is transformed into a tender cry for love. All embellishments are imaginative and well executed. Accompaniment by György Fischer is equally appealing, sensitive and precise. Every singer questing for the art of singing should study these. --Barbara Eisner Bayer