Opus d’or monthly citation ‘indispensable’
This collection of predominantly English folksongs, gives us a picture of Britten questing for truth. In the decades between 1941 and 1976, the year of his death, the English composer, pianist and conductor recorded these melodies with unflagging rigour. Whilst it may be difficult to describe these pieces as essential , Michael Kennedy underlines that in Britten’s compositional output “numerous are the scores wherein his vision, compassion and surprising technical facility have produced established masterpieces of rare quality.” Comprising 24 songs, this beautiful CD’s program gives an opportunity to appreciate the musical reciprocity between the luminous, warm voice of Steve Davislim and the perfect piano accompaniment of Simone Young. As if by magic, the world of each song is created in a single moment and performed with brio. With sound reproduction respecting the tones and acoustic, this SACD is the genuine surprise of the season.