This 12CD collection brings together Emma Kirkby’s complete L'Oiseau-Lyre recitals in a single set. The world’s most popular period-instrument soprano, Kirkby’s pure, crystalline sound defined how vocal music of the baroque and earlier eras should sound for a whole generation or more.

Accompanied in the main by Anthony Rooley, the set features works by Purcell, Handel, Bach and Mozart as well as rarely recorded works by Edwards, Campion, Dowland, Morley, Ferrabosco and many more.

Presented in a 12CD capbox with 44pp booklet featuring tracklists, recordings information, rare photographs and an essay by Lindsay Kemp and original album covers.

Lindsay Kemp writes: ‘’Even today, nearly half a century after performing styles in music of the Renaissance, Baroque and Classical periods underwent a major upheaval thanks to what has become known as “the early music movement”, there are few alumni of that revolution (some conductors excepted) who could be considered stars recognised in the wider musical world. That Emma Kirkby is one, and that she has maintained that status without compromise to the style and principles of music-making with which she started out, is testimony not just to the distinctive pure colouring of her voice, but to a steady artistic integrity, personal modesty and generosity that have made her one of the most professionally respected and well-loved figures in the business.’’