Ives, C: A Christmas Carol

“Tackling the huge Ives songbook alphabetically gives us welcome variety. Anyone seriously interested in Ives warts-and-all will want to be on board for this series.” Gramophone Magazine, October 2008

“All of the soloists, who represent all voice-parts are first-rate singers, many quite young with blooming opera careers, each with a clear and compelling competence in how to sing songs. And these aren't just any songs, but some of the most fascinating, engaging, joyful, humorous, nostalgic, sentimental, artfully written songs in the repertoire.” Classics Today

“These songs, with all their quirks and flights of fantasy, [are] among the most important of the 20th century in any language.” The Guardian

“Gerald Finley has everything and more in his darkly full-bodied voice to match the often formidable technical and expressive requirements of Ives’s songbook—reinforced by Drake’s elastic, expressive piano … this is a must-buy album” The Times

“This is a highly successful follow-up to Gerald Finley and Julius Drake’s first Ives recital from 2005. Here there is the same sort of mix, from familiar songs such as The Circus Band and Watchman! To an early requiem for the family cat and the intriguing title song, Romanzo (di Central Park), with its obbligato violin part atmospherically played by Magnus Johnston. Finley is his usual charismatic self, at home as much in the hymnody as the parody, and he is careful not to over-sentimentalise the more homely numbers while injecting pathos into the war songs. Drake projects Ives’s often complex accompaniments with clarity and style” Daily Telegraph

“…outstandingly well sung and played, equally well recorded, and highly recommendable to all lovers of fine songs and fine singing.” BBC Music Magazine, March 2008 *****

“…some of the early songs in a conventional style are treated with the same seriousness that Finley would apply to Lieder. The contemplative ones are delivered with an impressive serenity and Finley has his own way of attacking the razzle-dazzle of something like "The Circus Band" or "They Are There!".” Gramophone Magazine, April 2008

"...charming...an unusually invigorating disc of unaccompanied Christmas carols." Gramophone

"The singing emphasises prevision and an exceptionally beautiful blend, presented in an unforced and often pensive manner. Dynamics are carefully attended to ... A group worth getting to know." CD Scout, Internet Edition