“The bomb-proof technical standard of the playing would surely have delighted Mozart. And winsome justice is done to the beautiful slow movements of Kozeluch’s and Haydn’s symphonies. But the stand-out feature here is the sensational contribution of American soprano Emily Pogorelc, who is rapidly becoming a star on the European operatic scene. Her singing here has superb technical sureness, state-of-the-art command of the music’s wild emotional switchbacks, and firework-display virtuosity to match.”

BBC Music Magazine

“In the interpretation of “Empî, fermate, olà… Smarrita, tremant”, aria from Paisiello’s Annibale in Torino, Pogorelc fascinates the listener with exquisite but brief arioso, before reaching the stormy G minor tonality. In this recording, Pogorelc gives an enchanting performance. Czech composer Leopold Koželuch’s Symphony in G minor is surprising for its lyricism. It is performed with a superb quality by Mozartist musicians, who highlight its beautiful tonal modulations and expressive energy.”

“(Ian) Page‘s versions are the heritage of scholars. The musicians of the English ensemble, who are the main exponents of the music of Mozart and his contemporaries, interpret with a joie de vivre the works without any scheme and product of a genius; In other words, authentic music of geniuses.”

Sonograma

“Ian Page and his Mozartists deliver performances of the highest artistic standards mixed with a profound knowledge of a musical period that overflowed with emotional fervour and groundbreaking extremes. The vocal pieces sung by American soprano Emily Pogorelc are despatched with scintillating virtuosity and sparkling elan. This is a disc that will give much pleasure to many in general, and especially to those interested in discovering more about this period of transition between the baroque and classical eras. I unreservedly recommend not only this issue, but the whole cycle.”

Classicalmusicdaily.com

“This makes for another exceptionally satisfying addition to a series that is special not just for the thought and scholarship that goes into it, but Page’s direction of his fine players. It is throughout beautifully balanced and paced, while at the same time musically highly insightful.”

Early Music Review