Ninna Nanna, 1500-2002 sung by Montserrat Figueras (Alia Vox Audio CD)

THIS diverse and eclectic recording of lullabies is particularly fine.

Lullabies, be they old ones passed from generation to generation or relatively new, are part and parcel of every child's heritage. They are probably the first music heard by a child, and can enrich the relationship between baby and mother.

Many would not know any of these pieces as they are collated from a huge area, Portugal, Greece, Spain, Israel and England to name a few.

However, Montserrat Figueras sings them with tenderness and inspiration; enough to make an adult feel sleepy and contented.

An area of music I have not been aware of, except in my warblings to my own children, this recording shows that no matter what your personal heritage may be, there are others out there singing similar songs and they have been doing it for centuries.

n Recommended:

Top recording of the week for the budding opera buff: The Best Opera Album in the World (Virgin Audio CD); for the seasoned opera listener try Puccini's Madam Butterfly (Naxos Audio CD); Bizet's Carmen (Classic for Pleasure Audi CD), or maybe Verdi's Rigoletto (Opera Double Decca Audio CD).

Rigoletto was recently featured on Channel 4's Operatunity finale, the joint winners singing the part of Gilda at the London Coliseum.

A recording featuring the music heard on the show is available from the Channel 4 Shop, called Operatunity.

Sadly it doesn't feature any of the participants.

Finally, Sony Classical has released a new compilation The Essential George Gershwin, a must for any music lover's library.