Blessed with the rich lower register of a contralto and the gleaming top of a soprano, Fiorenza Cossotto was destined to become a dominant force in the dramatic mezzo-soprano repertoire. Her formidable voice and fiery stage presence made her a thrilling interpreter of iconic roles like Amneris and Eboli. But there was far more to her artistry than royal rage and vocal power.

This compilation seeks to present a more complete portrait of Cossotto’s range, including not only her signature roles in Don Carlo, Aida, and Il Trovatore, but also lighter and more varied fare. Excerpts from Serse, Hänsel und Gretel, and Il Barbiere di Siviglia reveal a singer capable of elegance, wit, and nuance—reminding us that behind the vocal thunder was an artist of remarkable versatility.