Although this four-disc set is intended as a cornucopia of highlights, several tracks stand out--for me, the simpler the better. That means the solo songs and folksongs, including "The water is wide", "Down by the sally gardens", and "I will give my love an apple", the a cappella "The Wind and the Rain" (from Shakespeare's Twelfth Night), "It was a lover and his lass", and the incomparably masterful "Miserere my Maker", an absolutely astonishing display of vocal artistry and drama. Deller also shines in the Purcell theatre pieces, especially "Fairest Isle" from King Arthur.

If you've never heard Deller, this collection will provide reason enough to appreciate his singular achievement and stature in the history of vocal music and period-performance. You also may wish to investigate his other, earlier recordings on Vanguard, where you'll discover, in comparison to these selections from late in his career, the remarkable consistency of interpretation and of vocal quality and technical facility. Although it's not among Harmonia Mundi's recordings, I always will be convinced that Deller's rendition of "Annie Laurie" (Vanguard) is the most perfectly executed song performance ever captured on disc. Such a performer deserves everyone's attention and respect. Here's your chance.