The Emma Kirkby Collection

If you're a fan of early music and you haven't yet encountered the remarkable voice of Emma Kirkby, get this recording and you'll know why she is one of the world's leading--some would say the leading--interpreters of soprano repertoire from Monteverdi to Bach. Her light, clear, and amazingly agile instrument allows her a phenomenal range of expressive techniques, and enables her to be equally effective whether singing a cappella, with lute, or with an instrumental ensemble--all of which happens on this fine compilation of some of her best performances. Highlights include Monteverdi's lively song "Voglio di vita uscir," Dowland's gentle "Flow not so fast, ye fountains," an unaccompanied rendition of Machaut's virelai "Foy porter," Bach's beloved aria "Sheep may safely graze," and Handel's impossibly acrobatic aria, "Sharp thorns despising." --David Vernier