Few composers paint human emotion as vividly or with greater insight, wit and poignancy than Barbara Strozzi – the pioneering Venetian composer; born 400 years ago, whose songs and madrigals stand alongside Monteverdi’s as some of the greatest of the age.

Argentine soprano Mariana Flores and period-instrument ensemble Cappella Mediterranea celebrate Strozzi’s anniversary with a selection of love songs by the composer and her contemporaries including the arresting ‘Lagrime mie’ and the touching ‘Che si può fare’.