It's a rich collection, imaginatively adumbrating the talents of three master-singers of different vocal types and weights united by superior technique and musicianship.

his smooth, supple voice is well able to deal with the multiple styles, the virtuosity, and even the baritone-register passages that one might have anticipated his light tone struggling to do justice to. His superb diction means that you don't miss a word, his ornamentation is elegant and precise, and texts are intelligently interpreted.

He's a graceful performer and a superb word-painter: he sings the word 'sweet' in different arias with surprising varieties of meaning...accompaniments are lively and stylish.

Fabri evidently had the breath controlled for extended runs on one syllable: Here Bostridge is first-rate, whether slow, as in Vivaldi's Arsilda, or in the vigorous roulades of Poro...The English Concert provides excellent support, with a lovely bassoon obbligato from Alberto Grazzi in the air by Boyce.

Bostridge has the vocal flexibility needed...[Rise, glory, rise] is simply magnificent, with trumpet triumphng in martial bravura...this enjoyable selection may be an eye-opener for those who do not associate Bostridge with this type of music or with such technical agility

I was totally disarmed by this CD. Ian Bostridge is at his most vivid, expressive and delicately ornamental in homage to three baroque singers...Bostridge avoids that wearying tendency to fizz the music up breathlessly, opting instead for clean edges and eloquence. The English Concert, conducted by Bernard Labadie, add real verve.