Sarah Connolly will probably win many hearts with this stellar album of English songs, My True Love Hath My Heart, and the same could be said for her accompanist Malcolm Martineau, who is a fabulous interpreter as well. Connolly's technique is seemingly flawless, and her mezzo-soprano is clean, crisp, and bright, yet full. Add to this excellent diction, and the results are interpretations that may well be definitive for years to come. British greats like Benjamin Britten are featured, and the four songs chosen here are ...
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Sarah Connolly will probably win many hearts with this stellar album of English songs, My True Love Hath My Heart, and the same could be said for her accompanist Malcolm Martineau, who is a fabulous interpreter as well. Connolly's technique is seemingly flawless, and her mezzo-soprano is clean, crisp, and bright, yet full. Add to this excellent diction, and the results are interpretations that may well be definitive for years to come. British greats like Benjamin Britten are featured, and the four songs chosen here are probably familiar to many listeners. Early one morning sounds the most archaic in its character, as if influenced by Handel or the Baroque period. The sound quality of the recording on this first cycle is a bit too soft compared to the other tracks, which detracts from the listening experience. Herbert Howells appears twice with two sets of songs. King David is interpreted with an appropriately majestic piano that rolls the chords, and the Gavotte has graceful, nuanced, well-phrased...
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