Italian composer Licinio Refice was ordained as a priest in 1905, and his achievements as a composer sometimes led to conflict with the Catholic authorities. Cecilia was his first opera inspired by sacred themes, but even as a gloriously melodious azione sacra it took many years before a theatre production was possible. This ‘song of Cecilia’ narrates her martyrdom after refusing to renounce her Christian faith – it was an immediate and sensational success with audiences at its premiere in 1934. With its flowing and indisputably beautiful blend of Gregorian antiquity with verismo drama, Cecilia has retained an enduring and widespread popularity.

‘Cecilia surprises the audience. The work of Licinio Refice (Patrica 1883–Rio de Janeiro 1954), represented in the national première at the Teatro Lirico in Cagliari, although far from the social and cultural models of our times for mystical content, has captivated those present, who appreciated its originality.’ – Medíterraneaonline.eu

‘The tragic, spiritual and expressive force of “Cecilia” enchants the audience of the Teatro Lirico… The cast is balanced and of high quality, Martina Serafin (Cecilia), Elena Schirru (L’Angelo di Dio), Antonello Palombi (Valeriano), all engaged in a work that is not easy to perform.’ – TG24.SKY.IT

‘Overall, the musical part is of a high level, starting with the portrait that the soprano Marta Mari paints of the protagonist: the dark and round voice, homogeneous in all registers…suits with refined sweetness to the writing of Refice. The phrasing is rich in nuances, always varied and sympathetic, without ever being affected and indeed intelligently conveys the variety of affections that animate Cecilia. At her side is Mickael Spadaccini's solid Valeriano, with a broad and stentorian instrument, while Leon Kim in the dual role of Tiburzio and Amachio stands out for the beauty of his voice and incisive phrasing. The blind woman of Giuseppina Piunti is valuable, as are all the other characters…’ – CONNESSIALLOPERA.IT

Cast:
- L’Angelo di Dio: Elena Schirru (soprano)
- Cecilia: Marta Mari (soprano)
- Valeriano: Mickael Spadaccini (tenor)
- Tiburzio, Amachio: Leon Kim (baritone)
- La vecchia cieca: Giuseppina Piunti (soprano)
- Il Vescovo Urbano: Alessandro Spina (bass)
- Un liberto, Un neofita: Christian Collia (tenor)
- Uno schiavo: Patrizio La Placa (baritone)

Recording place: Teatro Lirico di Cagliari
Recording date: 29 January, 1 & 5 February 2022