Soprano

Though Puccini represents the late-Romantic apex of the Italian operatic tradition, his songs are much less well known and, in their pared simplicity and emotional restraint, could hardly be more different from his stage works. The nineteen complete songs for soprano (two in duet with a mezzo) and piano cover themes typical of lyric poetry including life, death, personal resolution, love, nature, home and religious faith. There are also rare salon pieces and examples of Puccini’s secular and sacred juvenilia, written between 1875 and 1880.

A dazzling display of vocal virtuosity, by the stunning coloratura soprano Maria Laura Martorana. Nicola Porpora was a celebrated vocal teacher, as well as a highly respected composer, of mainly vocal works (operas, cantatas). Among his pupils were Haydn, Alessandro Scarlatti and Pergolesi. His profound knowledge of the voice and its possibilities resulted in compositions of the highest challenge to the performer. The title 'Il Volcano', one of the Cantatas recorded on this disc, gives a clear indication as to the explosive content of the music - and Maria Laura Martorana possesses all the qualities required for an effective performance of this music: effortless and brilliant vocal technique, capable of the most daunting vocal acrobatics, and a passionate and dramatic temper, conveying the strong emotions expressed in these Baroque Cantatas.