Vincenzo Bellini (1801-1835) Episode 4 of 6: Bellini's Diva
In 1830, Bellini formed a lifelong friendship with famous Italian soprano Giuditta Pasta. He went on to create the roles of Amina (La Sonnambula), and Norma specifically for her.
Bellini's tragic opera, Norma, is often considered his masterpiece and contains one of the most famous arias of the 19th century: Casta Diva. It was an aria that, originally, Giuditta Pasta refused to sing! We hear a large extract from this opera that includes Casta Diva, performed by Maria Callas. We also hear an example of Bellini's coloratura fireworks in an aria and duet from La Sonnambula (The Sleepwalker).
00:00 Vincenzo Bellini Norma - Act 2 sc.3; Guerra, guerra! [chorus] Performer: Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano Singer: Maria Callas Singer: Nicola Rossi-Lemeni Conductor: Tullio Serafin
00:05 Vincenzo Bellini La Sonnambula - Act 1; Prendi, l'anel ti dono Singer: Cecilia Bartoli Singer: Juan Diego Flórez Orchestra: Orchestra La Scintilla Director: Alessandro De Marchi
00:12 Vincenzo Bellini La Sonnambula - Act 2 sc.2; Ah! Non giunge Singer: Cecilia Bartoli Singer: Juan Diego Flórez Orchestra: Orchestra La Scintilla Director: Alessandro De Marchi
00:17 Vincenzo Bellini Vaga Luna Che Inargenti - Arietta For Voice And Piano Performer: James Levine Singer: Cecilia Bartoli
00:24 Vincenzo Bellini Norma- Act 1 - Sediziose voci...Vieni in Roma (including arias Casta Diva & Va, crudele Performer: Orchestra del Teatro alla Scala di Milano Singer: Maria Callas Singer: Nicola Rossi-Lemeni Conductor: Tullio Serafin
First broadcast: 24 Sep 2015 (b06c9vkn) http://vk.com/wall-71199334_101