Venetian composer Barbara Strozzi was not merely undeterred by the male dominance of her field, she was prolific, publishing more secular vocal works than any other composer of her time. The daughter of a poet and an accomplished singer herself, her music reflects her background, displaying a unique insight into lyricism and harmonies to achieve profound intensity. One of Early Music’s leading sopranos, Dorothee Mields brings Strozzi’s work to vibrant life in an alluring collaboration with German trio Hamburger Ratsmusik in their BEMF début with soprano Kerstin Dietl.