REVIEWS

Maria: Cecilia Bartoli (Decca 475 9077) In Cecilia Bartoli's latest project, she revisits the early Romantic era of Rossini, Bellini and their contemporaries, viewing the Bel canto glory days through the eyes of Maria Malibran; the first female superstar in music history.

Bartoli has unearthed many forgotten opera jewels, including a prayer from the long-lost opera Irene by Pacini and an aria by Maria's father, the famous Rossini tenor Manuel Garcia.

Ludovico Einaudi: Divenire (Decca 478 0125) Fans of the Italian composer/pianist Ludovico Einaudi will welcome this latest CD in which he expands his musical framework to include a full orchestra and Ipod loops. His reflective works are taken to new heights as he works on old themes and develops new ones.

Bach: Inventions & Partita/ Janine Janson (Decca 475 9081) Violinist Janine Jansen gives an inspiring recital of Bach's Partita No 2 in D minor culminating in the magnificent chaconne.

Violist Max Rysanov joins her for Two-Part Inventions while Cellist Torleif Thedeen adds a third voice for Three-Part Inventions. Highly recommended.

Beethoven Piano Concertos: Zimerman/Bernstein 2DVDs (DG 073 4269) Krystian Zimerman teams up with Leonard Bernstein and the Vienna Philharmonic to perform Beethoven's Piano Concertos. Sadly Bernstein died before the cycle was completed and Zimerman conducts first two concertos from the keyboard. A must for the collection.