Sina Notti

A distanza di 29 anni dalla sua ultima partecipazione in gara al Festival di Sanremo, Fiorella Mannoia torna sul palco dell’Ariston con “CHE SIA BENEDETTA” (il testo è di Amara e Salvatore Mineo, la musica di Amara), un brano che la stessa Fiorella definisce un “inno alla vita”. Per Fiorella sarà la quinta volta in gara sul palco del Teatro Ariston: l’esordio risale al 1981 con “Caffè nero bollente”, nel 1984 fu la volta di “Come si cambia”, nel 1987 di “Quello che le donne non dicono” che quest’anno compie 30 anni, e nel 1988 di “Le notti di maggio”.

Sardinian trumpeter Paolo Fresu, French accordionist Richard Galliano and Swedish pianist Jan Lundgren form the trio “Mare Nostrum”. This band forges connections between the discrete musical cultures of its three protagonists. This new album marks the return to the studio of a European supergroup. And they're on top form.

Gianna Nannini used to release a compilation every decade, and the double-CD Giannabest is her entry for the 2000s. In addition to all of the usual greatest hits, the thoroughly superb Giannabest trumps former collections by including material from the four fine studio albums Nannini released between 1998 and 2007, the 1971 rare demo "Sola con la Vela," a Will Malone remix of "Meravigliosa Creatura," and three stunning new songs written with Pacifico, "Suicidio d'Amore," "Pazienza," and "Mosca Cieca".

There is tough competition for the best recording of 'Macbeth', but for me the combination of Abbado's explosive and rhythmically taut way with the score and Shirley Verrett's tour de force as Lady Macbeth give this one the edge.
- Amazon By Julian Grant -

Even though Macbeth is the title character of Verdi's opera, most people will choose a recording of it based on the performer of the role of Lady Macbeth. My own opinion is that Elena Souliotis is, more than any other singer I have heard in this music, just right for the part.Verdi clearly stated that he wanted a harsh, choked sound from his Lady Macbeth.