Agnes Baltsa

"it is a compliment to her to say that if one heard this record „blind“ somewhere…one would sit up and take notice of the quality of the voice and the urgency of the delivery but would not immediately take it for that of an opera-singer going down-market…” (Gramophone)

“Laments score over bouzouki-led jollity in this surprising early crossover disc from the ever-distinctive Greek mezzo. Baltsa brings depth and unexpected tone colours to the Theordorakis settings.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2008 ****

“Gruberová and Baltsa may not be love's young dream, but they don’t make bel canto singers like this any more. The focus of a live performance suits the supportive Muti to perfection.” BBC Music Magazine, Proms 2008 ****

The French review magazine Diapason wrote of this Coronation Mass: “The choral and orchestral forces are very effective, the soloists prestigious and the conductor’s interpretation spectacular and very lyrical”, and of the Requiem: “The tempos are rapid, the chorus and orchestra weighty and sumptuous. This is one of the most flexible and accomplished versions of the work.”

"When the role of Samson is not one naturally suited to Carreras, it is amazing how strong and effective his performance is, even if top notes under stress grow uneven. Particularly after his near-fatal illness, the very strain seems to add to the intensity of communication, above all in the great aria of the last act ... the inspired conducting of Sir Colin Davis ... refined, atmospheric recording ... the new recording gains from splendid choral singing, vital in this work."The Penguin Guide to Compact Discs