This compilation has some of the best of Cecilia Bartoli’s treasured recordings of musical delights of the 17th and 18th centuries, though there are two world première recordings of works by Leonardo Vinci and Agostino Steffani.
In her inimitable style and joined by guests Philippe Jaroussky, June Anderson, Franco Fagioli and Sol Gabetta, we have a wonderful collection of love duets and coloratura duels with drama, despair and humour.
In the duets from Steffani’s Niobe and I trionfi del fato, she and Philippe Jaroussky achieve flawless duo singing. In contrast, "Agitata da due venti" from Vivaldi’s Griselda is certainly flamboyantly virtuosic, and "Son quel nave ch’agitata" from Riccardo Broschi’s Artaserse stands as a tour de force.
Cecilia Bartoli's love of this music is clearly demonstrated in this handsomely presented and generous compilation, one that deserves a place in the collection of any serious lover of opera.