“inspired singing of beauty and reverence” (music web-international.com)

“With this release of Mozart opera and concert arias, Mühlemann has entered the territory that has in the last couple of decades produced a number of excellent albums, notably from sopranos Renée Fleming/Decca, Anja Harteros/RCA Red Seal, Sandrine Piau/Naïve, Patricia Petibon/Deutsche Grammophon, Marina Rebeka/Warner, Diana Damrau/Virgin Classics and Sabine Devieilhe/Erato.
 
It is a delight to hear Mühlemann’s wonderfully poised, vividly clear and bright voice displaying a top register that really shimmers. There is little in the way of risk-taking displayed in the performances and thankfully her pinpoint precision and steadfast technique do not come at the expense of character. My highlights begin with S’altro che lacrime from La clemenza di Tito, with Mühlemann communicating an aching sadness with her markedly smooth tone. Irresistible is the glorious showpiece aria Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio! beautifully rendered with an authentic sense of engagement from the soprano. The striking oboe part is ravishingly played by principal Matthias Arter. From Lucio Silla, Mühlemann excels with a convincing portrayal of the squally aria Strider sento la procella. Impressive too is the much loved motet Exsultate, jubilate which Mozart originally wrote for a castrato; the work draws inspired singing of beauty and reverence from Mühlemann. Kammerorchester Basel under the direction of Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli plays with a splendid buoyancy that just exudes freshness.”

MUSICWEB-INTERNATIONAL.COM

MICHAEL COOKSON