Both singers are closely connected with the Metropolitan Opera in New York and Covent Garden. Last year they recorded a set of Chopin Songs for the Frederyck Chopin Institute. Nelson Goerner is a great figure among contemporary pianists and is well known for his performances of the works of romantic composers, particularly Chopin’s.
July/August 2010
“[Kurzak] imparts an elegant sadness to 'Faded and Vanished', with some beautifully placed upper notes. Kwiecien, sporting a most agreeable tone, with focus and smoothness, is equally pleasing on the ear...He introduces sufficient light and shade to reflect the words whatever the song. He and his fellow artists make this a very worthwhile and satisfying disc.”
September 2010
“The predominant tone is of simple lyricism, and Kurzak captures it beautifully with her glinting soprano, moving easily between melancholy and shy eroticism...Kwiecien sings with soft-grained warmth, and Nelson Goerner is a lively accompanist who draws wonderful colours from the 1848 Pleyel.”
Click on any of the works listed above for alternative recordings.