"...Ruby Hughes has a direct, clean, and unaffected soprano voice that, judging from descriptions, probably matches Frasi's quite well.  The orchestral work under Cummings is exemplary..."

***** (Excellent Album)

“…this disc is a must-hear for anyone who cares about Handel’s vocal music …”

“Giulia Farsi was a leading soprano for Handel’s last oratories and other composers’ works. Her career was not meteoric, but steady over a long time. Using her own excellent skills, Ruby Hughes follows the traces of this singer and sings a sometimes even innovative program with very fine artistry.” *****

“… With her limpid purity of tone, immaculately even coloratura and graceful sense of style, Hughes is in many ways ideal in this repertoire… the OAE provide sensitively coloured accompaniments… The gentle beauty of Hughes’s voice, deployed with unfailing taste, can hardly fail to give pleasure, the music – not least the Queen of Sheba’s valedictory ‘Will the sun forget to streak’ – often touches the sublime, while the non-Handel items will come as delightful discoveries to many.”

Performance ****          Recording *****

“… this disc is a treat illuminating why Frasi and her music commanded a huge following.”

“… Perfect casting for Hughes, who possesses a pellucid soprano that caresses the gentler phrases of Handel and his contemporaries. The opening arias, from the oratorio Susanna, showcases her charms to perfection. A later number, from Ciampi’s Camilla, also gives Hughes the opportunity to showcase her technical facility in showier music… Laurence Cummings’ conducting ably supports his soloist, whose voice is treated as part of the music texture rather than dominating it.” ***