Steffani was much valued for his chamber duets and scherzo. Here are three which will delight sopranos looking for concert pieces. Although written for female voices, the ‘poet’ is a man, complaining about the contrariness of women.

Cangia, cangia pensier mio cor, takes a slightly negative view of the lover’s chances of pain free success, due, of course, to the girl’s intransigence. Nevertheless the music is rhythmic and lively, the soprano 1 solo almost jaunty.

Che sarà di quel pensier b...