A MasterClass Performance: Cecilia Bartoli Gives a Jaw-Dropping Performance Of “Non Piu Mesto” From La Cenerentola By Rossini

June 6, 2016 by Masterclass Lady 5 Comments


 Cecilia Bartoli, Non Piu Mesto 
I don’t know how many of you are classical music buffs but, at any rate, I thought I would give this video a try and see if I have – at the very least – a handful of classical appreciation readers on board here in the MCL Community. 

Cecilia Bartoli is my favourite classical singer. Bar none! The physicality she uses when she sings is astounding. She is so attuned to the rhythmic pulse of the music that her entire body becomes an instrument in and of itself.  

You are advised to be seated when you watch this world famous mezzo-soprano’s performance of the classical aria “Non Piu Mesto” by Rossini. 

Believe me when I say this will be a transformative 3 minutes in your life.  How she can navigate her enormous range while maintaining her composure and style is beyond me. She is a vocal gymnast. There is no other word to describe her ability to use her voice in a way that leaves the listener speechless. 

If anyone  can infuse the rockstar elements into the classical music genre known as Baroque music it would be Cecilia Bartoli.  She has a command of the stage that is spectacular and a joy to behold. She embraces her music with passionate enthusiasm and passion. It is absolutely wonderful to behold. 

Her technique is part Bel Canto, part Cecilia. It certainly is not the norm but it has worked for her in the same manner world-renowned Canadian Pianist, Glenn Gould, adopted his own unique style of playing. These artists are geniuses – pure and simple.  Undeniably, however, they have worked incredibly hard to achieve international status and all artists must strive to learn from them and hopefully achieve greatness in their career. 

I was fortunate to see Cecilia Bartoli in concert in Toronto quite a few years back. And –  I also managed to snag some really neat tickets at the last minute.  I was a few rows back, seated in the center of the Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto with all the patrons and concert subscribers.  It truly was a serendipitous experience for me and my husband. Some times the stars align just right!

However, because the air conditioner was detrimental to her vocal cords, we sat in an unseasonably hot concert hall in October. Ah the memories. But, no one complained. We were riveted to the talented bundle of musical joy on that stage. 

If you wish to listen to Cecilia’s full performance in La Cenerentola, you can do so here

Classical Music, Singing, Videos
, , ,

About Masterclass Lady

Rosanne (Giallonardo) Simunovic began her musical career in Timmins, Ontario. She studied piano with Anne Pizzale and later, at an advanced level, with Soeur Anita Vaugeois (Sister Cecile of Les Soeurs De L’Assomption in Timmins). Her vocal and accompaniment skills were nurtured by her aunt, the late Dorothea Mascioli. When Rosanne graduated from O’Gorman High School, she moved on to the University of Toronto where she continued her piano and vocal studies while attaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree. She was hired as a piano accompanist for several musical companies, most notably, the National Ballet Of Canada. She presently holds an A.R.C.T. Teacher’s Diploma in Voice from the Royal Conservatory of Music in Toronto. Rosanne has studied choral conducting with numerous well known Canadian Conductors, including Wayne Riddell of Montreal, Quebec and the internationally renowned Dr. Elmer Iseler. She has been a founding member of numerous community-based arts organizations: the Timmins Arts Council, later known as Arts & Culture Timmins, the Timmins Symphony Orchestra, and, the Timmins Youth Singers…as well as the TYS Alumnus choir, the Timmins Concert Singers. In 1987, she was also selected to be the conductor of the Timmins Board Of Education Choir, comprised of talented students from Grades 5 to 8. In 1988, she was elected to the Board Of Directors of the Ontario Choral Federation (now known as Choirs Ontario), where she served as Chair of the Festivals Committee for six consecutive seasons. In 1996, in honour of the Ontario Choral Federation’s 25th Anniversary, Rosanne was selected as one of 25 recipients of the OCF’s Distinguished Service Award for outstanding contribution to the choral art. The ceremony was presided by Lieutenant Governor, Hal Jackman. In November 1997, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Rotary Club Of Timmins to receive the prestigious Paul Harris Award for her years of dedication to the artistic development of young musical talent in Timmins. In August of 2002, Rosanne Simunovic was selected by the Board Of Directors of Choirs Ontario to serve as Conductor of both the Provincial Junior and Teen Choir Camps, now renamed in honour of the Camp Benefactors, Don and Lillian Wright. In November 2002, Rosanne was the one of the recipients of the Commemorative Medal for the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, honouring her work in the development of the arts in Timmins. Under Rosanne Simunovic’s direction, the Timmins Youth Singers and the Timmins Concert Singers have been featured in numerous choral festivals and performing opportunities outside of Timmins. In 1985, they were selected to partici
View all posts by Masterclass Lady →

5 Responses to “A MasterClass Performance: Cecilia Bartoli Gives a Jaw-Dropping Performance Of “Non Piu Mesto” From La Cenerentola By Rossini”

  1. janey79 June 7, 2016 at 12:51 am

    That was insane! Thank you so much for posting this. If you hadn’t, I would have missed it. I was extremely lucky one time to have met her! Let me know if you want the sordid details, lol.

    Liked by 1 person

  2. kitty June 11, 2016 at 10:30 pm

    This is beautiful and I love Bartoli, I also like how Elina Garanca sings it:

    Liked by 1 person

  3. Masterclass Lady June 11, 2016 at 10:32 pm

    Glad you enjoyed this classical performance. I was surprised at the positive feedback here and on my Facebook page in particular. Nice to see so many classical fans appreciate such a talent.

    Like

  4. kitty June 12, 2016 at 9:14 pm

    I think there are a lot of people who like classical music and even more of those who don’t know it, but would’ve liked it if they were exposed to it. If you look at some comments on YT e.g. under Bartoli videos, under video of Netrebko and Garanca’s singing of Flower Duet, under Pavarotti’s videos, under Damrau’s singing of the Queen of the Night aria, under Amazing Coloratura Sopranos of all times video (this one would actually make a great demonstration of bel canto technique here), you’ll see that most comments are from people who aren’t familiar with opera. I’d imagine if you dedicate a post or two to it occasionally, you’ll see positive response. Oh, and lest I forget — Barbara Bonney’s singing of Schubert Ave Maria gets millions views and very positive response on YT.

    Liked by 1 person

  5. Masterclass Lady June 13, 2016 at 9:32 pm

    Kitty – thanks so much for the suggestions. I love when readers guide me toward videos or performances which are interesting to the MCL Community. I will definitely add more topics about classical performances in the future. Thank you, Thank You!!

    Like