Barbara Bonney has the clearest, purest, gentlest soprano I've heard; her singing is beautiful, thoughtful, moving. Try Catherine Bott's English song album, "Orpheus with his lute", too (B0001O2H6U).

Try also Nancy Argenta's collection (B000059LOH), Christine Brandes' (B00000JKFV) and Catherine Bott's (B00000135H & B0002EQ41S). And perhaps his complete "Theatre Music" (B00000E46H/B0001Y4JHA).

Very fine singing. Includes his miniature opera, "Saul and the Witch of Endor".

/B00008LJF1 England's earliest surviving all-sung opera is charming; the final act, especially here, is incredible. Try Medlam’s with Dawson, Varcoe & Argenta too (B0000007NO/B000027O8A).

Lynne Dawson sings Dido beautifully. My only reservation (besides Jacobs’ rampant continuo) is Visse – what on earth was Jacobs thinking to allow him (and the other witch) to camp it up so much?

A vibrant and lively recording; unrivalled. Come if you dare, the 'cold scene', the Passacaglia and Fairest Isle are just some of the highlights. Try Niquet’s recording too (B0002JP3PQ).

A musical comedy (wisely) re-written to better suit today's audience. The music is by Purcell, Eccles and others. Sadly, the recording highlights the music, neglecting most of the spoken comedy.

Hopefully this release is a sign of more to come!

Galliard's small-scale "Pan & Syrinx" is a charming example of early C18th English opera. I hope to see recordings of Pepusch's "Venus & Adonis", "Death of Dido" and "Apollo & Daphne" someday soon.

This is where the anthem "Rule Britannia" originates. Try Arne's cantatas also (B000002ZJM/B00003W0Y5).

Try Sir Henry Rowley Bishop's "Shakespeare Songs" too (B000062URA).