Of all the laudatory epithets applicable to Barbara Bonney, "radiant" might not be the one that springs to mind--at least, not insofar as it suggests the warm luxuriance of sunshine. Bonney's light, bright lyric soprano is something else: a voice of delicate refinement and transparent, pure-toned beauty. But it's capable of silkily seductive textures too; and there are wonderful examples on this compilation disc that, if featuring a less well-established artist, might qualify as a demo tape. Most of the tracks are previously issued but together they define her capabilities and home-base repertory, from Bach, Purcell and Mozart through to Scandinavian song and Richard Strauss. With "Morgen", "Solveigs Sang", "The Presentation of the Rose" from Der Rosenkavalier and "Ach, ich Fuhls" from The Magic Flute, this is a catalogue of silver, if not golden moments. Jewel-like singing and pure joy to hear. --Michael White