Purcell: If music be the food of love

“The first part of the disc intersperses Crumb's moderately Coplandesque Three Early Songs (1947) with Purcell favourites like "Sweeter than Roses" and "Music for a While". The sovereign authority of Schäfer's voice and the intensity of her presence makes for a seamless narrative, and the clarity of her diction and innate dramatic sensibility revitalise the Purcell works.” Gramophone Magazine, March 2008

“Given Christine Schäfer's wide-ranging repertoire, this mixing of 17th-century English and 20th-century American songs is no surprise. Her exemplary clarity of tone and diction, and her emotional commitment to both composers, make for a powerful recital.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2008 ****

As one of today’s most magic – not to say victorious – singers, whether on the opera stage or in the concert hall, Carolyn Sampson’s previous appearances on BIS have earned her high praise, for instance in American Record Guide (“Her tone is extraordinarily beautiful: natural, warm and unforced, with almost superhuman vocal athleticism”).

“Carolyn Sampson's luminescent soprano, with its easeful enunciation, seemingly instinctive ornamentation, and total lack of self-consciousness captures the bittersweet 'affects' of 'Sweeter than Roses', relishes the shifting tones of voice in the long nocturnal, 'From silent shades', and glows against a single theorbo accompaniment in the great 'Evening Hymn'. The instrumental palette, though limited, is exquisitely tuned to Sampson's voice and to the character of each piece.” BBC Music Magazine, December 2007 ****

"The present record contains 13 of Purcell's most celebrated songs, each one of which is sung with intense feeling and, one feels, a familiarity with the music that only time can bring...[Deller] brings vivid characterization to every one of these pieces... No better example of his extraordinary sensibility is to be found than in his singing of Fairest Isle, without a doubt the loveliest performance of this song that I have ever heard....a fine and memorable recital by a great artist." Gramophone

"Hendricks' slender, sweet-toned soprano, with its distinctive quick vibrato, is still in fine shape." Gramophone, Awards issue

“There can be no complaint that these performances lack colour and commitment, but the soprano seems to have scant regard for the poetry, and blasts through "Music for a while" as if it were a dress rehearsal for the immolation scene in Götterdämmerung.” Gramophone Magazine, February 2008

“The American-Swedish soprano Barbara Hendricks hits 50 this year, and her voice, though mature, remains rich and lovely, with a full range and some attractive half tones.” BBC Music Magazine, January 2008 ***

“The Evening Hymn is radiantly done, and so are many of the less well-known airs which regularly bring new revelation. Excellent recording, if with the voice forward, given striking extra presence on CD.”***Penguin Guide to Compact Discs