Patrizia Ciofi is simply amazing. Anyone who can get through all 10(!) numbers of Laudate pueri Dominum with their lungs and vocal chords intact deserves our respect (and perhaps pity), but Ciofi emerges from the fray completely triumphantly, negotiating rapid passages with heart-stopping bravura and still finding a melting legato for the lovely Gloria Patri toward the end. The highlight of the disc, from a purely lyrical point of view, is "Resplende, bella" from In turbato mare irato, a gorgeous Larghetto that requires great sensitivity and breath control from the singer. And Ciofi really does attack the opening numbers of the above two "wrath" motets, vividly characterizing the words without ever compromising her phenomenal technique. It almost goes without saying that Fabio Biondi and Europa Galante are with her every step of the way, and the sonics are outstanding. Spectacular! [11/15/2004]