Monteverdi

"Kožená teams up with crack period band La Cetra, whose virtuoso solo contributions are a delight, yet the voice isn't quite what it was - more diffuse, painting with broader tonal brushstrokes. Here in Monteverdi that proves itself, at times, an advantage, giving greater scope to Octavia's emotionally charged recitatives from L'incoronazione di Poppea" (Gramophone)

"In this collection Kožená has selected seven Monteverdi opera arias and madrigals. Add to these three reasonably attractive instrumental works, one each from contemporaries of the Cremona master: Marco Uccellini, Tarquinio Merula and Biagio Marini. In the booklet Kožená explains how Monteverdi concentrates on communicating the meaning of the words rather than striving for sheer beauty of the voice or coloratura display.
Period instrument ensemble La Cetra Barockorchester Basel is thirteen strong and is directed from the harpsichord by early music specialist Andrea Marcon. With compete assurance they deliver fresh and vibrant playing totally in accord with the needs of Kožená and her partners. It is hard to fault this marvellous recording featuring Kožená at the peak of her powers. I can see this album having a broad appeal, speaking to those both familiar and new to Monteverdi." (MusicWeb March 2016)