“Assoluta”: a term that was given to prima donnas of the nineteenth century, those who sang the parts of the great tragic heroines of that time, their voices characterised by a dark timbre, with a rich, strong low register and the high notes of a soprano – a voice that has now almost disappeared. Béatrice Uria-Monzon, one of its rare representatives, sings here some of the great assoluta roles, including the famous “Casta Diva” by Bellini, in her first solo recording. © Aparté