From Australia come two new discs from the Melba label, whose praises we already sang on the release of an excellent Wagner’s tetralogy in SACD format some time ago.
The first is a collection of folksong arrangements by composer Benjamin Britten for voice and piano accompaniment. Recorded in SACD with impeccable sound and presented in a sleeve including the lyrics of the 24 songs (which is most pleasing), this work features the voice of tenor Steve Davislim and the hands of pianist Simone Young. The Australian tenor proves why he has become internationally renowned, with docile phrasing and a beautiful timbre well suited to these songs, most of which were conceived for the voice of tenor Sir Peter Pears, Britten’s partner, to whom Davislim himself bears a certain likeness.
Pianist (and also conductor) Simone Young works with the tenor to help create the evocative atmosphere conjured up by Britten in works so well composed for both voice and piano. This is without doubt a disc well worth recommending and a tenor to watch over the next few years …
Melba clearly takes great care not only with the quality of its recordings but also with the presentation of its products. In short, another disc well worth recommending.
Both discs are distributed in Spain by LR Music.