Chapter 32

Nicola Porpora's “Come nave in mezzo all’onde,” from the opera “Siface” - Cecilia Bartoli, soprano

This mind blowing and muscular song was originally written for the celebrated 17th century Italian castrato Farinelli...

...but in this recording it’s sung with such dexterity, supreme breath control, consummate articulation and musical artistry to leave the listener breathless, invigorated, in total disbelief of this being physically possible  and, when completed, one must choose to “repeat.”

Countless times has this performance left this writer thinking that I could never match such a simultaneous combination of technical physicality and musicianship...

...only to find myself heading back to rehearsal in just such a quest - as do all who find our calling and gifting in the world of sound.

Listen to Come nave in mezzo all’onde

... on Spotify.

... on Apple Music.

... on Amazon Music.

... on Deezer.

... on YouTube Music.

... on Pandora.