Cecilia Bartoli, Andras Schiff - The Impatient Lover: Italian Songs (1993)

This album includes a number of rare pieces in the Italian repertoire. Written by standard composers (Haydn, Shubert, Beethoven, and Mozart), they accompany the Italian words of Pietro Metastasio, a prominent poet in the early to mid-1700's. Metastasio's poetry was used until the mid 1840's as lyrics to classical songs. These texts are archetypes of the 'opera seria' libretto in both form and content. So some might find this album peculiar, particularly since you are most likely not used to hearing Italian words with Shubert melodies. Don't be timid! Bartoli's voice is incredible, and free from many of the terrible habits that have characterized her lately (swallowed low notes, breathy pianissimo sound, etc). She sounds rich and expressive, and as always, her interpretive techniques are top-of-the-line. The Mozart "Ridente la calma" will especially warm your heart.