Renowned for portraying the music of the baroque like no one else, Cecilia Bartoli presents her new recording of arias famously performed by legendary castrato, Farinelli. Exploring the complex gender roles of the world of baroque opera, and highlighting the phenomenon of the castrati, a horrifying practice which led to some of the most celebrated work of the period. Featuring works by Farinelli’s brother, Riccardo Broschi, and his mentor, Nicola Porpora, as well as Hasse, Caldara and Giacomelli. Including two new world premiere recordings, from Porpora’s Polifemo and Broschi’s La Merope. TRACKLIST: 1. Porpora: Polifemo - Nell' attendere mio bene 2. Porpora: La festa d'Imeneo - Vaghi amori, grazie amate 3. Hasse: Marc'Antonio e Cleopatra - Morte col fiero aspetto 4. Porpora: Polifemo - Lontan dal solo e caro… Lusingato dalla speme 5. Broschi: Merope - Chi non sente al mio dolore 6. Porpora: Semiramide regina dell'Assiria - Come nave in ria tempesta 7. Giacomelli: Adriano in Siria - Mancare o Dio mi sento 8. Broschi: Merope - Si, traditor tu sei 9. Caldara: La morte d'Abel - Questi al cor finora ignoti 10. Hasse: Marc'Antonio e Cleopatra - Signor, la tua speranza… A Dio trono, impero a Dio 11. Porpora: Polifemo - Alto Giove