Bonitatibus’s interpretations go to the heart of these extraordinary pieces. Collaborative pianist Adele D’Aronzo, meanwhile, presents some demanding accompaniments to impressive effect , while as a soloist she makes something special out of Mel Bonis’s brilliantly effective dance for piano, Salomé.

What we get here, though, is a complete experience: a gorgeous, flexible voice, intelligently and sensitively deployed in the service of a creative and well-chosen program. Pianist Adele D’Aronzo declares her sisterhood throughout Monologues, playing with professionalism and quasi-orchestral splendor. Don’t think too hard about getting this release. Just get it.

Superbly accompanied by Adele D'Aronzo, this recital of dramatic scenes for piano and voice by Donizetti, Wagner & Respighi amongst others should be investigated by any lover of opera or art song, as it features some of the most intelligent and characterful singing I've heard this year, or in fact any year.

Bonitatibus really gets under the skin of historical and mythological characters including Hero, Hermione and Joan of Arc, and perhaps most especially Mary Stuart as imagined by the young Wagner. And d'Aronzo gets a lovely solo moment in the spotlight in the form of Mel Bonis's portrait of Salomé, a piece which really deserves to be better known.