"The Sweet Sound of Emma Kirkby" is a captivating classical album that showcases the extraordinary vocal talents of Emma Kirkby, a renowned soprano celebrated for her pure and expressive voice. Released in 1999, this album is a testament to Kirkby's artistry, featuring a diverse collection of pieces that span various genres within the classical realm, including choral, opera, and solo vocal works.
The album opens with a selection from George Frideric Handel's opera "Alcina," followed by pieces from Mozart's "Nehmt meinen Dank" and Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater," demonstrating Kirkby's versatility and mastery of different styles. The tracklist also includes works by Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldi, and Henry Purcell, among others, providing a rich tapestry of musical experiences.
Kirkby's ability to convey the essence of each piece is evident throughout the album. Her performance is marked by a delicate balance of technical precision and heartfelt interpretation, making each track a unique and enchanting experience. The album's duration of 68 minutes offers a substantial journey through some of the most beautiful and timeless compositions in classical music.
Recorded under the Decca Music Group Ltd. label, "The Sweet Sound of Emma Kirkby" is a high-quality production that captures the nuances of Kirkby's voice and the accompanying orchestrations. This album is a wonderful addition to any classical music lover's collection, offering a blend of familiar and lesser-known works that highlight the breadth of Emma Kirkby's talent.
Alcina, HWV 34 / Act 1: "Tornami a vagheggiar"George Frideric Handel, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
"Nehmt meinen Dank", K.383Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Stabat Mater, P. 77: I. Duet. Stabat Mater dolorosaGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, Emma Kirkby, James Bowman, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Esther, HWV 50 / Scene 2: "Praise the Lord with cheerful noise"George Frideric Handel, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
"Bist du bei mir" (formerly attrib. J.S.Bach as BWV 508)Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Gedenke doch, mein Geist zurücke, BWV 509Johann Sebastian Bach, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Gloria, RV 589: III. Laudamus teAntonio Vivaldi, Judith Nelson, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Simon Preston
"Voi avete un cor fedele", K.217Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Frottole: Vergine bellaBartolomeo Tromboncino, Emma Kirkby, Consort Of Musicke, Anthony Rooley
O come sei gentileClaudio Monteverdi, Emma Kirkby, Judith Nelson, Anthony Rooley
Rosamunde: Rise, Glory, RiseThomas Arne, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
"Weichet nur, betrübte Schatten" Cantata, BWV 202 - "Wedding Cantata": 7. "Sich üben im Lieben"Johann Sebastian Bach, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
Alceste, HWV 45: Come FancyGeorge Frideric Handel, Emma Kirkby, Academy of Ancient Music, Christopher Hogwood
"Sweeter Than Roses", Z.585Henry Purcell, Emma Kirkby, Anthony Rooley
Second Set of Madrigals (1609): XXXI. Draw On Sweet NightJohn Wilbye, Consort Of Musicke, Anthony Rooley
"If Music Be The Food Of Love", Z.379Henry Purcell, Emma Kirkby, Richard Campbell, Christopher Hogwood