Tracy Smith Bessette is a glorious soprano in the infectiously exultant Canta in prato, 'Sing in the meadow, laugh on the hill'. Her fluent passage-work is a particular delight, enhanced by exciting ornaments stretching her to Baroque-pitch top D - albeit a mere C sharp in today's money! Marion Newman's is a more restrained voice... Her approach suits perfectly the dolorous mood of the Stabat Mater, where... Naxos... patronage has revealed the excellent Toronto-based Aradia Ensemble and Kevin Mallon, their director. Their accompaniment here is rhythmically well-sprung and thoughtfully but discreetly phrased. A delightful disc.

The period-instrument Aradia Ensemble under the expert direction of Kevin Mallon are building an excellent reputation for themselves in the early music field…. Mallon’s Toronto-based ensemble sound on their best form providing beautiful smooth playing, that is fresh, bright and immediate. The liner notes from regular Naxos author Keith Anderson are of the highest quality.