Eloquence Classics

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. A pioneer of the Early Music movement, Emma Kirkby presents an intimate concert of both familiar and rare Purcell songs. 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.’