Ethereal yet visceral, Scholl's voice is the dream vehicle for Purcell...Stefano Montanari coaxes thrilling playing from Accademia Bizantina, who dance and swagger, throb and pulsate with true Latin passion. Their continuo realisations - here delicate and intimate, there audaciously jazzy - are an unceasing delight.

There's no doubt about the theatrical intent driving Scholl's interpretations and the flamboyant work of Italian period instrument band, Accademia Bizantina. The latter's lively continuo group and multi-hued sounds certainly catch the full flavour...few singers...can match him for style and intelligent musicianship in this repertoire.

Scholl understands the importance of words and remains the countertenor of choice: it’s not so much the intelligence and grace that make his artistry so instantly recognisable, as the hypnotically soothing quality of his voice...Among the many joys of this exceptional recital are the accompaniments by Accademia Bizantina.

his way with words has strengthened...the two countertenors combine marvellously in O dive custos

[The disc] contains much in the way of sympathetic vocal and instrumental colouring, not to mention some very fine singing and playing, full-stop...Stefano Montanari's stylish violin-playing [in Fairest Isle], as elsewhere, is a treat in itself...Scholl [brings] an animated, urgent quality to his performance, the tone rich and resonant, the diction razor-sharp.

that famously otherworldly tone [is] often breathtakingly in evidence...His decision to tackle Dido's lament has generated controversy: in fact, his performance is extraordinarily haunting...O Dive Custos is arguably the disc's high point. The Academia Bizantina, meanwhile, are on fine form for Stefano Montanari

Few counter-tenors maintain the width of repertoire or vocal acumen of this artist...his Cold Song from “King Arthur” [is] a shivering, juddering triumph, and the entire package pleases.