The top of Kozena's voice is free and clear as a bell, and from top to bottom the general quality is glowing and beautiful. In fact, I can't find anything wrong with this recital disc, and the program is fascinating. In addition to Mozart's Sesto, we get an ideally understated Cherubino, a warm, happy Idamante, and relative rarities from Lucio Silla and La finta giardiniera--all individually characterized. Gluck's "Le belle immagini" from Paride ed Elena is ravishingly beautiful and worthy of replaying the moment it's over. The other Gluck selections are equally well performed and worthy.

The CD's surprise is three arias by Josef Myslivecek (1737-81), who was admired by Mozart and famous all over Europe during his time. His arias are wonderfully florid and Kozena lashes into them with absolute certainty, executing the most difficult leaps and runs--upward and downward--with what seems to be great enjoyment and absolutely flawless rhythm. She touchingly expresses Sara's unhappiness in an aria from Myslivecek's Abramo ed Isacco and makes you long to hear more from this composer. The Prague Philharmonia led by Michel Swierczewski offers great assistance, and DG's engineers have given the whole project their most natural, warm sound. This CD is not a luxury, it's a necessity.