Cornelia Lotito - O mia madre from Rossini's Giovanna D'Arco

Cornelia Lotito, mezzo-soprano
Bernadette lo, piano

This cantata was written by Rossini as a passion project long after his early retirement, and is in the bel canto (or "beautiful singing") style. This style values beautiful vocalism above all else, but that does not mean it lacks dramatic interest. It follows Joan of Arc as she wrestles with her own confidence and faith before seeing a vision of the Angel of Death and ultimately declaring "Long live the king, victory is mine!" While this is only the opening recit and first aria, the full piece is quite long, about 17 minutes, and has a highly demanding range from a low G to a high B; along with both extremely quick runs of coloratura and long, lyrical lines. Despite those challenges, it is an absolute blast to sing!

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