This delectable record offers a selection of largely amorous duets for soprano and bass. Love may be treated quite lightly in the verses that Purcell set, but it was in line with the pastoral convention that the musical treatment might be serious: and these songs are not frolics—12 of the 14 are in minor keys, and most are in moderate or slow tempos. All this gives marvellous opportunities for Emma Kirkby to deploy her demure and alluring voice to great effect: is there any other singer so consistently plumb in tune or so precise over the articulation of detail? David Thomas matches her beautifully, in weight and in his gently pointed lines, and indeed in his intonation too. This is, then, a most accomplished set of performances, of music that is both erotic and melancholy, in a very English way, and altogether refreshing to the spirit. It is beautifully clear on this CD, with Anthony Rooley's lute perhaps just a shade reticent.'