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ddv 24152 |
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STRINGS IN THE EARTH AND AIR This fine recital of English song includes works by two of the most prominent composers in the genre - E J Moeran and Peter Warlock - and some fine items, first recordings, by Geoffrey Stern. Many of the songs are not otherwise easily found. |
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| playing time: 68.37 direct sale price: £8.50 audio sample: Legend (G Stern) |
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review extracts: for full reviews click here | ||
“The Seven Poems of James Joyce (1929) is a minor masterpiece. It is once again an ideal combination of words and music. The sound quality of the vocal line on the CD is crystal clear – although sometimes sounds a little bit distant. Paul Martyn-West has a lovely voice apt to interpreting these songs. He is well able to imbue each song with its own character. Niger Foster is a sympathetic accompanist. This is a really interesting CD... I feel that it is an essential addition to the library of anyone who loves the ‘English School of Lieder.'” – John France (MusicWeb) |
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“This is a fine disc. Paul Martyn-West has a gentle voice - soft-toned, evocative and uniquely pleasantly. He has excellent enunciation, well-controlled vibrato and a deep love and knowledge of English solo song that shines through. Martyn-West is extremely good at bringing out the emotions, nuances and meanings of the texts. The disc contains a rewardingly extensive programme note by Martyn-West that is informative, interesting and well-written. The texts to all the songs are provided. This disc contains a good range of songs, from dreamy and melancholic through to dynamic and lively, thus demonstrating the versatility of the artists. Definitely a disc for lovers of English solo song.” - Em Marshall (MusicWeb) |
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| “Spirited early 20th century British songs. This vocal/piano combo have their fingers on the pulse of the material.” – Chris Spector (MidWest Record) | |||
“All well worth hearing. With idiomatic performances and good recording, this is well worth seeking out by lovers of English song looking for something unusual.” - Brian Wilson (MusicWeb Download Roundup) |
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| “A well balanced programme and clean, clear studio performances... sung and played with understanding care. Sadly Geoffrey Stern died in 2005... we are left with a taste for more. The CD is an appropriate memorial.” – Patric Standford (Music and Vision) | |||
“The Seven Songs of James Joyce are some of Moeran's most impressive songs. Paul Martyn-West and pianist Nigel Foster perform them with keen intelligence and musical shape. They also bring a lighter, more questioning intimacy to the complex Three Songs [of Warlock]. Geoffrey Stern's songs are attractive... finely done and well worth getting to know. This engaging recital should find a receptive audience among lovers of British song.” – Jonathan Wolf (MusicWeb) |
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“ The material is extremely interesting, the performances are lively and musical, and pianist Nigel Foster is superb. Paul Martyn-West ... does have exemplary diction and his interpretations are quite good. Excellent music sung with affection, musicality ... Therefore I recommend this disc for the music and the interpretations” – Lynn René Bayley (Fanfare) |
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