Kožená’s dramatic and vocal powers are wonderfully displayed in Gasparini’s kaleidoscope aria ‘Ombre, cure, sospetti’ (with its unrestrained runs and the bursts of emotion in its recitative-like sections), and they also permeate her heartfelt performance of Handel’s ‘Si muora’…This is a disc full of vocal delights and fascinating musical rarities.

Kožená’s singing is polished and musical, while the orchestra is brilliant. Moreover, Pentatone’s recording is vivid and detailed, allowing the interpretive and technical nuances of the performance come through. This disc will surely appeal to Baroque enthusiasts, especially with the many rarities on the program.

Kožená has chosen with care, presenting a really delectable selection of rarities that all make their case. The emotional range is exhilarating… Kožená is at her best in repose…[her] soprano-coloured instrument offers less at moments of intensity…Václav Luks and his Prague-based Collegium 1704 are exemplary collaborators.