The Silver Sound of Emma Kirkby

Experience the enchanting vocal artistry of Emma Kirkby in "The Silver Sound of Emma Kirkby," a captivating collection of classical, choral, and operatic masterpieces. This album, released on Warner Classics in 2000, showcases Kirkby's renowned soprano voice in a diverse range of compositions that span centuries and styles.

The album begins with a powerful aria from Handel's "Messiah," followed by a selection of his Nine German Arias, each demonstrating Kirkby's ability to convey both joy and introspection. The inclusion of pieces from Handel's "Armida abbandonata" and Bach's "Himmelfahrtsoratorium" further highlights her versatility and mastery of Baroque repertoire.

Kirkby's repertoire extends beyond the Baroque era, with selections from early Italian works such as "Una stravaganza dei Medici" and Monteverdi's "Madrigals, Book 8." The album also features a stunning performance of Purcell's "Hail! Bright Cecilia," showcasing Kirkby's ability to bring historical music to life with her crystalline tone and expressive phrasing.

The album concludes with another aria from Handel's "Messiah," tying the collection together and leaving the listener with a sense of the profound beauty and skill that Emma Kirkby brings to her performances. With a duration of just over an hour, "The Silver Sound of Emma Kirkby" is a testament to the enduring power of classical vocal music and the timeless talent of its performer.