Angela Gheorghiu, the soprano on this recording, considers 'Vissi d'arte' from Puccini's Tosca an aria that defines her as an artist and a woman.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The verismo movement, which influenced many composers on this album, aimed for 'realism' by depicting everyday life, often portraying poor working people, with a direct emotional style and swift dramatic action.
Interpretation
Angela Gheorghiu chose many pieces for this album that she had never sung before, alongside well-known arias and duets, including some rarely performed works.
Album & Artwork
The album title 'Eternamente' was inspired by the closing words of Angelo Mascheroni's song 'Eternamente t'amo' ('I love you for all eternity').
Compositional Technique
Verismo composers, reflecting the faster-moving age, often marked their scores copiously with minute expressive details, indicating frequent, sudden emotional and dramatic contrasts.
Historical Context
The verismo movement in opera came of age in 1890 with the premiere of Mascagni's Cavalleria rusticana in Rome.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in Smetana Hall, Municipal House, Prague, in November and December 2016, with additional recordings for Joseph Calleja in Temple Studios, Malta, in March 2017.
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