As English song came into full flower at the turn of the 20th century, Parry's substantial contribution to the genre became somewhat buried. Iain Burnside and his singers rediscover what has been forgotten by historical accident. Combining an innately English sensibility with a technical fastidiousness that owes much to the lieder of Brahms, Schumann and Wolf, every one of these songs demonstrates Parry's fundamental concern for sincerity and proper declamation of the words.
Hubert Parry is undergoing something of a revival, and these performances return his songs to the heart of his output, where the composer always felt they belonged.
Ailish Tynan was a Vilar Young Artist at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, a BBC New Generation Artist and won the Rosenblatt Recital Prize at the 2003 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World Competion. Susan Bickley is firmly established as one of the most accomplished mezzo sopranos of her generation. In May 2011 she received the prestigious Singer Award at the Royal Philharmonic Society Awards, the highest recognition for live classical music in the UK. William Dazeley won the 1989 Kathleen Ferrier Prize. He has appeared with many of the world's important opera houses and worked with many leading conductors and orchestras. Iain Burnside is the well-known pianist and broadcaster, with a reputation forged on his commitment to the song repertoire and his collaborations with leading international singers.
“This release testifies to the rare talent of a composer still to be adequately recognised...There could surely be no finer champions of this art than the singers heard here.” Sunday Telegraph, 20th January 2013
“Among the 27 songs here, fastidiously set to texts from Shakespeare to Scott, are some well-known gems. But many more are revelations. Recorded in Parry’s boyhood home near Gloucester, Ailish Tynan, Susan Bickley and William Dazeley sing them with ardour and sensibility, and Iain Burnside’s piano accompaniments are full of subtle insight.” The Times, 26th January 2013 ***
“The emotional range of these songs, almost faultlessly conceived in terms of textual rhythm, reminds us of just how expert a song-writer and pioneer of the English art Parry was...Full of subtle vocal nuance, excellent diction and discerning accompaniment, the performances are exquisite.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2013
“Superb singing combines with Iain Burnside's eloquent handling of Parry's piano textures.” BBC Music Magazine, June 2013 *****
Gramophone Magazine
