I'm out of the opera diva loop, however I picked up CB's, "The Impatient Lover", on a whim and am floored by how beautiful it is, especially the final cut, "Arianna A Naxos - Cantata". I really like this CD.
I also picked up an interesting looking CD package of hers, "Maria". I like the music, find it interesting, and think her voice is wonderful. However, some reviews of CB and/or this recording are extremely harsh.
Are the experts' disdain for her/it based more on their personal expectations for CB rather than taking this recording at face value? IOW, would critics be so harsh were CB an unknown and this were her first recording?
What do you think of this recording?
What is up with the way she sings the first cut "Se un mio desir... Cedi al duol"?
Does she sing it this way on purpose (staccato diaphragm)? It is very different than anything I've ever heard. I find it slightly annoying.
