To judge by the reception she receives everywhere‚ Bartoli is now undoubtedly a superstar‚ whatever that may mean. Commanding huge fees‚ the opportunities to perform in that she desires‚ the backup group she wants and‚ of course‚ her own choice of repertory‚ she is at the peak of her powers in every sense. Practically all her appearances are recorded‚ either live or later in the studio. This recital is typical of her present form‚ confirming what I encountered myself at June’s Whitsun Festival in Salzburg. The voice‚ in prime condition‚ can do just about anything its owner requires‚ both in terms of emotional projection and vocal pyrotechnics. As her present mission seems to be to convince us that Vivaldi was a great composer of operas‚ she here sings a very wide range of his arias with consummate ease of execution. Whether languishing in a piece from Tito Manlio‚ finding the tragic depths of the eponymous hero’s big scena from Farnace‚ delighting in the fireworks of a jealous outburst from Ottone in Villa orÊ–Êperhaps best of allÊ–Êsinging with lyrical beauty in the ‘Domine Deus’ from the composer’s Gloria‚ Bartoli involves herself entirely with the mood in hand. Occasionally‚ the extent of her dynamic range seems exaggerated‚ as does her penchant for going into overdrive when executing fast divisions evinced in aspiration. You somtimes feel that a little less would mean so much more. But that is perhaps a downside to be borne for the sheer exciting exuberance of such an upfront performer. The known attributes of Il Giardino Armonico are welcome‚ not only in alert‚ pointed support of the singer but also in the group’s own contribution. The lute player Luca Pianca deserves special praise for his playing in a concerto that reveals Vivaldi at his most sensuous and beguiling. The widescreen picture is perfect‚ the sound perspective excellent.