"Hear this Naples — it’s to die for"
Critics are sharing their enthusiastic responses to Joyce DiDonato’s latest album on the Warner Classics label, Stella di Napoli (Star of Naples). This recording highlights the music of several Italian composers including Bellini, Rossini, Donizetti, and Pacini, as well as lesser-known arias by Mercadante, Carafa, and Pacini. Joyce worked in close collaboration with Italian conductor Riccardo Minasi to bring this exciting project to life, with many of the arias featured as new editions and world premiere recordings.
In this video preview, Joyce discusses her selection of Bel Canto repertoire for this album, “Part of the joy of this period of music is hearing the voice do extraordinary things . . . it’s the most challenging music for me to sing. I love it.”
Check out some of the reviews for Stella di Napoli, and purchase your copy on Amazon and iTunes today:
“As expected, DiDonato has virtuosity to spare, but what makes this disc special is the shimmering radiance of emotion she brings to operas such as Bellini’s Adelson e Salvini and Pacini’s Saffo. In Mary Stuart’s radiantly sung solo before her execution DiDonato leaves no doubt that her own star is at its height.”– Financial Times
“ . . . this luscious collection of Italian bel canto opera arias presents the incandescent DiDonato on top form, the creamy tones effortlessly whipped into endless, kaleidoscopic threads of melody.”
–The Times UK
“You may think bel canto recital discs are not your thing. Let Joyce DiDonato convince you otherwise. She did me.”
–The Guardian
“A must for all fans of DiDonato, especially if you enjoyed her last Rossini disc Colbran: The Muse – and well worth exploring for anyone who fancies an enthusiastic, committed guide to the highways and byways of bel canto.”
– Presto Classical