Suicidio.. from La Gioconda

Cantolopera is an exceptional new series of book/CD packs from Ricordi that offers a fresh approach to great opera repertoire. The books include versions for voice and piano of the world's most famous arias. The CDs feature two versions of each aria: one with a 130-piece orchestra providing accompaniments to allow the professional, student or opera fan to practice, and another sung by an established artist for reference. Each volume contains the lyrics of the arias, plus a short plot summary and background information on the orchestra and the performers.

These two collections feature celebrated arias as interpreted by Maria Callas, arguably the most influential singer of the recorded era. In addition to a brief biography of Callas, each selection, in standard voice and piano format, is followed by notes which indicate the variants, breaths, fermatas, and all of the nuances that Callas employed to turn these arias into masterpieces of interpretation. A wonderful reference tool for vocal coaches, professional singers and voice students, these two books are also indispensible items for the libraries of all opera enthusiasts. Volume 1 contains: LA GIOCONDA: Suicidio. LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR: Ardon gl'incensi. MACBETH: La luce langue. NORMA: Casta diva. LA SONNAMBULA: Ah! non credea mirarti. TOSCA: Vissi d'arte. LA TRAVIATA: Ah, forse e lui che l'anima ... Sempre libera. I VESPRI SICILIANI: Merce, dilette amiche.