Cindy Gieringer <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

>I know Emma Kirkby has made quite a few recordings of Bach and Handel,
>and has sung the Mozart Requiem, Exsultate jubilate, and Regina Coeli, but
>has she ever made a recording(s)of any concert arias? (eg.  Verdi, Puccini,
>Mozart, etc.)

I seriously doubt that any recordings exist of her singing any of the
"standard" repetoire, unless they set up mikes in her shower.  She has
developed a technique which imitates the boy soprano sound in a female
voice.  This gives her tremendous flexibility and ease in the higher
register which enables her to perform these choral pieces with great
aplomb.  However, the development of this style of singing counteracts the
system employed by operatic singers which, without becoming unneccessarily
technical, allows the singer to employ more "chest" sound in the higher
register.  This gives the operatic soprano the power to fill a hall and
carry over a substantial orchestra with a warmth in the tone that Ms.
Kirkby could never do.  On the other hand, one hearing of Leontyne Price
singing the "Exultate, jubilate" gives a clear example of why the vocal
talents of Ms. Kirkby are prized.  Both are supreme artists uniquely
suited to what they do best.

And finally, to answer your question, you might find a disc with Emma
Kirkby singing Mozart concert arias, but nothing heavier than that.  If you
SHOULD find such a disc, I would record such a discovery for the sake of
knowledge, and then gingerly put it back where you found it.

Jonathan Knapp