The two leading bel canto super stars of today, Cecilia Bartoli and Juan Diego Flórez join forces for the first time in the most complete and authentic recording of Bellini's La sonnambula - an eagerly awaited moment in the operatic world and a must have item for all Fans of Bartoli and Florez. This brand new studio recording is the perfect package for Christmas 2008, and is Decca's core classical top priority for the autumn. Supported by a continued global tour covering Europe, Japan and America, this release finishes off the festival of celebrations for the bicentenary year of Maria Malibran (1808-1836). It is the first ever recording with a 'mezzo-soprano' in the lead role, and the first ever recording with a period instrument orchestra. Many of the cadenzas sung by Cecilia Bartoli are those used by the great 19th Century interpreter of the role, Maria Malibran.