This new studio recording of Bellini's Il Pirata in its uncut version includes all the repetitions, original cadenzas and variations written by the singers, as well as the rarely performed finaletto. Prima Classic's aim is to present to the public this masterpiece of composition, beauty, and of incredible technical demands on the soloists, performed by some of the most prominent singers of today. With Javier Camarena, Marina Rebeka, and Franco Vassallo performing the leading roles, this album was recorded at Bellini's homeland, Catania, with the Orchestra e Coro del Teatro Massimo Bellini, under the baton of Fabrizio Maria Carminati. This relatively rarely performed opera stands out in the bel canto repertoire for its original musical resources applied by a young but undeniably genius Bellini, who was pushing the limits of the musical traditions of his time. Particularly original is the chorus of the Pirates with the echo effect: this genial page drew a clamorous success and was defined by a critic at La Scala "...a masterpiece of musical science". A mature Rossini told Bellini in a brief meeting they had in August 1829: "I have known in your operas that you begin where others have ended." CRITICAL ACCLAIM "The Mexican tenor Javier Camarena triumphs in his role due to his exquisite knowledge of the bel canto style, his always passionate interpretation and his stratospheric and bold highs. In the same way, the Latvian soprano Marina Rebeka dazzles with a dedicated Imogene and velvety voice that recalls to the greats of the twentieth century, with good agility and a malleable temperament that allows him to adapt to the needs of the role." - ?pera Actual, Spain - A Selected Album mention "Lovers of characterful, expressive, technically superior voices can cheer. The carefully prepared and tastefully presented recording turned out to be a great success." ?Online Merker ? Austria "Here is a brilliant sumptuously recorded Pirata, Bellini's third opera, from Teatro Bellini di Catania, Italy. Carminati is a fine conductor, in total control of his forces (the choruses and they form a vital part of the piece's structure, are uniformly superb)." - ?Colin Clarke for Fanfare Magazine, USA. 5 Stars Recording "?if I were to recommend a single version as the best overall representation of Il pirata, this would be it. The finest complete recording of Il pirata." - Henry Fogel for Fanfare Magazine, USA. 5 Stars Recording "Prima Classic has achieved a real coup with this production." ?Pizzicato - Luxembourg. Supersonic Recording Distinction "This will be, without a doubt, a reference recording, not only because of the execution of the complete score, but also because of the very high vocal and interpretive quality of the singers, the choir and the orchestra and the wise orchestral direction. Highly recommended indeed." ?Pro pera - Mexico "Marina Rebeka?displays a nimble coloratura from a voice that sits happily in the middle of the register but with a very nice top. She loses her mind very beautifully at the end of the opera." ? BBC Music Magazine, 4 Stars/4 Stars "Marina Rebeka is the prima donna assoluta, under the label which she created. (Rebeka) boldly projects her unstoppable high notes, excellently crowning the volutes with a flawless vocalization. An integral (recording) worthy of its claims. " - Avant Scne Opra "Perhaps the most attractive element of this new Pirata is its chamber-music quality, which characterizes the conducting and the orchestral playing as well as the recorded sound. Prima Classic's Pirata is sure to satisfy. It is another excellent issue from a welcome new label." ?Nicole De Sapio for Fanfare Magazine, USA. 5 Stars Recording