Lorraine Hunt's voice is incredibly beautiful, and very recognizable. It is simply impossible to mistake her for anybody else. Her best register is mezzo, and she generally sings low-tessitura parts in which she can be very effective. Yet, her voice is not low enough (plus it is too feminine) in order to sing male roles convincingly. Unfortunately also, she has quite a bit of vibrato in her upper register where her voice can spread uncomfortably when pushed. Nevertheless, the sheer beauty of her timbre compensates for the occasional technical flaw. I enjoyed this disc, but I most cherish Lorraine Hunt's performances as Medee and Phaedra in two stunning recordings with Les Arts Florissants.

Of all the wonderful (and not so wonderfil) Handel CDs I own, this is the one I return to over and over. The combination of musicianship, beauty of voice, and complete dramatic conviction makes this collection of (generally) very obscure arias a pleasure that intensifies with repeated hearing. Among the highlights: "Vieni o figlio" (from Ottone) which becomes, with Hunt's interpretation, one of the truly great arias of loss, a precursor of the great Romantic standards; "Angels, Ever Bright and Fair" (from Theodora), with unbelievable diction and sweetness, making Engish sound as beautiful as Itaian; and "Qual nave" (from Radamisto), again a miracle of delicate phrasing and conveyed deep feeling. But Hunt finds real meaning in all the songs -- she's never just vocalizing. Best of all is the way she manages to intensify meaning in the da capo section without excessive decoration.

If you love the voice of Janet Baker or Kathleen Ferrier, you will love this collection. Miss Hunt is the peer of any mezzo soprano I have ever heard, bar none. Her voice is pure and rich, her musicality is flawless, her total effect awe inspiring. If you have never heard Lorraine before, this is a great place to start. You won't be sorry!

With Lorraine Hunt you can't go wrong. Her appeal is universal: those who don't fancy opera will love it because of her virtuoso capability, originality and sincerity. Laurent Naouri expressed the core of her appeal: "When she sang her character, people would forget all that is conventional in opera. People would forget even her singing; they would just feel something so deep and true." Bravo, Lorraine, you set a standard for all time.

Ms Lieberson died untimely, but her legacy is saved for all of us. Complete musicians are a wonderful treat and I never tire of listening to her wonderful voice and interpretations.

The recording sounds like a collection from other dics; it is not as pure in fidelity as an original. I still enjoyed it, however.