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Title: Gorgeous virtuosity!
Review: I have been a fan of Emma Kirkby's for several years, and I believe this collection of early music contains some of her best work. Included are pieces in English, Italian, Latin and German by Handel, Purcell, Bach, Monteverdi, Schutz, et al. Monteverdi's "Lamento della ninfa" is simply lovely. Kirkby easily tackles the gorgeous and complex ornamentation of "The Harmony of the Spheres." The pure drama of Handel's "Armida abbandonata; Venti, fermate" is touching and tragic:"Winds, cease blowing,no, do not drown him;true, he has betrayed me,yet still I adore him."How many women have had similar thoughts?A wonderful collection, in my opinion, and truly essential for Emma Kirkby fans.
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