“… The performances are exemplary – exquisite breath control, smooth and soft release at the end of phrases, gorgeous phrasing, and immaculate diction that makes texts almost unnecessary. Middleton continues to establish himself as one of the leading collaborative pianists of this generation. In all ways this is one of the finest collections of British songs and a wonderful way to discover some gems you never even knew existed…”

Editor’s Choice – Vocal Section

“… Prospective purchasers can rest assured that Sarah Connolly is at her characteristically supple, golden-toned and intelligent best throughout, and she enjoys impeccable support from Joseph Middleton. Chandos’s sound and presentation are likewise beyond reproach, and it all adds up to a disc that I have not the slightest doubt will give enormous satisfaction for many moons to come.”

“… This is a super programme which has been discerningly chosen. It represents a splendid way of celebrating the 125th anniversary of one of the UK’s premier conservatoires. Dame Sarah Connolly is on top form throughout, singing with wonderfully lustrous tone and a great understanding of the texts she’s putting across. At every turn the admirable pianism of Joseph Middleton shows why he’s so highly regarded among accompanists these days. The performers have been expertly recorded at Potton Hall and the documentation is up to the usual very high standards of this label. Lovers of English song should hasten to hear this fine recital.”

“Singing of mellifluous beauty (with sensitive interpretations of the texts) is the hallmark of this very attractive collection. The disc is also a reminder of Sarah Connolly’s finely honed talent and the often neglected accomplishment of English song over many years. An exceptional, nocturnally inspired recital spanning over 120 years of British song, the CD includes world premieres of two songs by Benjamin Britten.”

“Those distinctive and luscious tones that radiate from Sarah Connolly’s alluring mezzo-soprano voice are assured to soothe the most agitated of souls…  It certainly is a well-thought-through collection drawn from a diverse song-writing talent cleverly cultured over the last 120 years by our highly-esteemed, Royal College of Music.These all-enveloping sounds, featuring the simple forces of voice and piano, certainly show off the crème-de-la-crème of British composers whose endemic talents were enhanced by the erstwhile RCM… This moody and soothing collection of superbly recorded and contemplative music can be interpreted in a versatile way. The songs will certainly impact on us all at some time”

Performance ****          Recording ****

 “… Pianist Joseph Middleton and mezzo-soprano … Dame Sarah Connolly deliver a varied collection that offers more than just vocal bonbons. Come to Me in My Dreams sweeps across the last century, picking out often overlooked composers … Slumber is also the theme of two world premiere recordings of two world premiere recordings of works by Britten … ‘A Sweet Lullaby’ and Somnus, the humble god’ were initially composed for, but later excluded from, A Charm of Lullabies, which is sensitively included separately in the programme. Connolly and Middleton execute the complex phrasing with a sense of ensemble for which they are revered. An additional premiere recording comes in the form of Mark-Anthony Turnage’s Farewell’ (2016), written specially for Connolly, a gorgeously rich goodbye.”

“Connolly proves herself a worthy heir to Janet Baker in the lovely songs of Ireland, Moeran and Ivor Gurney, but this “garland” of 20th-century songs, superbly accompanied by Middleton as her equal partner, embraces “cycles” by the antipoles Britten and Tippett, whose Charm of Lullabies (1947) and Songs for Ariel (1962) are the meatiest items, sung with sumptuous tone, insight and perfect diction.”

Recording of the Month

“…singing with exemplary but unpretentious diction and impeccable musicality, Connolly could frankly make a musical history of pickling in the home counties compelling. Performing a programme of Art Songs that might have been composed specially for her, she honors RCM with a recital that rivals the finest Lieder recordings in the discography…”