‘A Handelian treasure trove … Kirkby deploys a crystal tone and flawless diction. Her embellishments consistently deepen the meaning of the words. This is a passionate and serious recording which deserves to be cherished … Kirkby’s talent for matching brilliant coloratura with dramatic urgency remains unparalleled … a compelling interpretation of rarely heard masterpieces, this recording is the ideal present for anyone open to Handel’s dramatic compositions’ (International Record Review)

‘[Emma Kirkby] remains an artist of unique vocal personality and intelligence’ (Gramophone)

‘Performances are fluent and stylish’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘A delight … This is singing of brilliance’ (Fanfare, USA)

'Ottone is, even for Handel, unusually rich in lovely, heartrending arias' (The Times)

«Une festa vocale luxuriante, délicate et ardue … beaucoup de belles choses à signaler chez la délicieuse Carolyn Sampson (l'immense 'Nel spiegar', pure merveille), chez le fugitif Harvey, chez l'étoile montante Lucy Crowe» (Diapason, France)

‘Any Handel recording by The King's Consort bids fair to be a top choice (where there even is competition). This first recording of Parnasso in Festa is no exception. Under its new artistic director, Matthew Halls, the chorus and orchestra continue to perform at the highest level … all hail Hyperion for giving us a chance to hear [Parnasso] in a recording of such high quality’ (Fanfare, USA)

‘This allegorical 'festa teatrale' emerges fresh-minted … in this delightful recording. The young soloists, especially Diana Moore as Apollo and Euterpe, Lucy Crowe as Orfeo, and Ruth Clegg as Clori, are a treat. A must for Handelians’ (The Sunday Times)

‘A recording of such exemplary artistry and insight that it is difficult to imagine the music ever sounding better—you'll wish it would go on for ever!’ (Classic FM Magazine)

‘It's quite a week for Handel fans … this courtly entertainment, ravishingly sung and played here by The King's Consort, with soprano Carolyn Sampson in particularly fine form’ (The Observer)

‘The cast is led by the superb Apollo of Diana Moore … her semiquaver runs in 'Torni pure' are thrilling. With admirable support from Carolyn Sampson and the rest of the cast, and crisp choral and orchestral contributions under Matthew Halls, this recording should ensure that Parnasso in Festa will at last come into its own’ (Gramophone)

‘Thank goodness for Hyperion, still sensibly producing recordings that really ought to exist … this CD set is a welcome addition to the Handel corpus … brimming with lovely music’ (Early Music Review)