Dame Emma Kirkby turns 70 on February 26. For many hers was the voice of the early music movement and she has enriched the lives of thousands of music-lovers for nearly a half century through her performances and numerous recordings.

For this week's Gramophone Podcast, James Jolly paid her a visit at her North London home and talked about some of the composers, artists and producers who all played a major part in her long career.

You can listen to the Podcast above. To hear other Gramophone podcasts, or to subscribe for free to new editions, search for 'Gramophone Magazine' in your Podcast application of choice, or visit Gramophone's page at iTunes.

The music for this podcast comes from the Hyperion catalogue:

Hildegard of Bingen: O Jerusalem - Gothic Voices / Christopher Page (Hyperion CDA66039)

Handel: Giulio Cesare – 'V'adoro pupille' – The Brandenburg Consort / Roy Goodman (Hyperion CDA66860)

Dowland: His golden locks Time hath to silver turned – Anthony Rooley (lute) (Hyperion CDH44562)

W Jackson: Time has not thinn'd my flowing hair – Rufus Müller (ten) and Frances Kelly (hp) (Hyperion CD66497)

Photo: Allan Watson

Explore: Emma Kirkby in the Gramophone 'Hall of Fame'

We've also produced a special playlist on Apple Music, Spotify and Qobuz featuring Emma Kirkby's finest moments on record: