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Simone Kermes's recording career is absolutely stunning. her voice and presentation are inimitable. this cd follows her 2 previous masterpieces Lava and Colori D'Amore, 2 albums she did with Claudio Osele's Musiche Nove. These 2 albums are, I think, the best vocal albums ever from the Baroque period, even surpassing her albums with Andrea Marcon and the Venice Baroque Orchestra. Those 2 albums together with the 2 Osele albums are highly recommended. And of course the Vivaldi operas she did with Jean-Christophe Spinosi, Griselda absolutely the best. I had hoped she would do another album with Claudio Osele, but alas. So, my anticipation was a bit nervy, but the listener is fully rewarded. The cd starts with a funny thing: it has the sound of an element/needle landing on a vinyl record. From then on we get to hear all of Simone Kermes' specialities and qualities. She masters it all, whether it's a brilliant coloratura aria or a quiet lamentation. It's one highlight after the other. Most of the music is of Porpora. Also 2 arias by Johann Adolf Hasse and Pergolesi en Leo also are represented. There's an aria of a composer unknown to me Giuseppe de Majo, which opens the albums superbly. What we also get on this album is Handel's famous aria Lascia ch 'io panga from the opera Rinaldo. An absolute concert favourite during her concerts. The ensemble accompanying her does a great job as well. We get to hear so many subtleties and instruments. I am more than content and satisfied with this album. And now we'll have to wait another year or so for a new album. This one will be played many times until then. It's a joy to all senses.
