For the near future Regula Mühlemann’s diary looks to be dominated by Bach and Mozart. The forthcoming concert performances of La clemenza di Tito, next in Nézet-Séguin’s Mozart opera cycle with an all-star cast including Sonya Yoncheva and Joyce DiDonato, should certainly put the young Swiss soprano on the map.

A foretaste of that is included here. Servilia’s ‘S’altro che lacrime’, sung with gleaming classical poise, is one of the better-known Mozart tracks in her programme, which focuses mostly on his early operas and concert arias. Mühlemann’s soprano suits this repertoire well enough, though its clear, brilliant sound does turn hard at times, chiselling slow, lyrical lines as if with the edge of a diamond. An affectionate aria such as the lovely ‘Geme la torterella’ from La finta giardiniera asks for softer colours, though her Blonde in Die Entführung aus dem Serail has an attractive spirit, and her coloratura is punched out clearly. Vorrei spiegarvi, oh Dio!, surely the most beautiful Mozart showpiece, is too over-bright to admit any grieving tenderness, though Mühlemann goes fearlessly for its vocal extremes, both high and low.

The recital ends with Exsultate, jubilate, sung with zest and accompanied attentively by the Kammerorchester Basel conducted by Umberto Benedetti Michelangeli (nephew of the pianist). For a debut solo disc this makes an attractive proposition, though a playing time of 54 minutes is on the short side. The competition is also intense: among recent releases the Gramophone award-winning Mozart disc from Sabine Devieilhe (Erato, 11/15) has all Mühlemann’s virtues plus a lightness of touch, a loveable grace and a sense of fun – a winner on all counts.