Tchaikovsky: Six lieder on poems by Daniel Rathaus, Op. 73

“Hvorostovsky sings [the Tchaikovsky songs] with passionate expression...Hvorostovsky's elegant approach makes a good case for hearing more [Taneyev]...against the original piano accompaniment [of the Mussorgsky] his command is absolute...with Ivari Ilja's spirited playing, this is one of the finest performances I've heard” BBC Music Magazine, April 2013 *****

“Hvorostovsky was born to sing these songs...he brings to his interpretations a new richness and darkness of timbre, beautifully polished as it always was but enhanced with an even deeper understanding of how to project the subtleties of Mussorgsky's vocal writing...This is a top-choice version of the Songs and Dances of Death and it is rendered even more valuable through being set in the context of equally persuasive performances of Tchaikovsky and Taneyev.” Gramophone Magazine, April 2013

“Time has preserved his instrument remarkably well; his baritone retains its burnt umber colouring and his almost legendary ability to spin out long phrases on a single breath is still there...Hvorostovsky fans need not hesitate for an instant, but anyone interested in Russian song will want to investigate this inventively programmed, and stylishly performed, recital.” Mark Pullinger, Opera Britannia, 27th January 2013

“Kazarnovskaya is an intelligent singer, and fortunate in her no less intelligent and sensitive accompanist. The two of them respond eloquently to the flying rhythms of 'This Moonlit Night,' and to the different subtleties of 'The sun has set.” Gramophone Magazine, July 2000