Wondering where this 60s diva had disappeared? Well, she was always there, its just that we don’t listen to her anymore for some reason or other.

‘Ode to Joy’ is an album full of surprises and great compositions, packed as usual with her high octave range. This soprano will surely cast a spell on you the moment you turn this CD on. There is almost no repertoire that Mouskouri has left unexplored.

On this album, she showcases some 20 classical pieces from Schubert lieder (a form which she feels suits her voice particularly well) through the seemingly simplicity of the Bach – Grounod Ave Maria and Franck’s Panis Angelius to the grandeur of Mandels Gloria Eterma and the yearning Song for Liberty (Verdi). Mention must be made of the soul – stirring Con te partiro that is simply amazing.Two other outstanding classics in their own right are Blow the Wind Southerly which speaks directly of love, hope and faith, the weight of emotion carried forward by a straight forward simple melody and She moved through the Windmills of the fair, which leaves you mysterious, and simply out of reach.

Mouskouri has also done covers by pop artists such as Don Maclean’s And I love you so and Love Changes Everything (Webber).

Listening to Mouskouri sing Casta Diva, the exquisite and exquisitely difficult bel canto aria from Bellini’s opera ‘Norma’, is something to rewind and play again. I would do so for this and the opening / title track Come and Sing (Ode to Joy) (Ludwig Van Beethoven) which is simply magnificent.

So if you’re grown up listening to this Greek – born wonder lady, who sings here in six different languages including English, I suggest you put this album on your shopping list.

Rating: *****

Reviewed by Verus Ferreira