A glorious recital that arguably opened the doors for many other sopranos (Rene Fleming and Lorraine Hunt Lieberson to name only two of late) afterwards to investigate this repertoire. Hogwood and his forces perform brilliantly capturing all the pomp and humor even Handel couldn"t help contain while borrowing (OK, stealing) ideas of his long established Italian models. Kirkby"s animated, spirited performances are simply magnificent. Decca. 2005.