"In this complete studio recording of a newly prepared critical edition -- the first on period instruments -- Giovanni Antonini and Cecilia Bartoli reveal Norma's authentic pre-Romantic roots and return to Bellini's original conception. The role of Norma was written for Giuditta Pasta, who sang what today's listeners would consider to be mezzo-soprano roles, while Adalgisa was conceived for a light silvery soprano. With Cecilia Bartoli and Sumi Jo heard here for the first time on record together, this iconic opera has been restored as Bellini originally intended."--Container.