This CD comprises Italian love songs by composers better known for their operas. Surprisingly, they include few that are well-known, with Toselli’s ‘Serenata’ an obvious exception. It makes an attractive, undemanding sequence, though Lisa Houben’s rather fruity soprano tends to lack variety. By contrast, Daniel Blumenthal’s accompaniments are nicely varied, some simply chordal, following the melody, but some like harp arpeggios, with others establishing strong four-in-a-bar rhythms.

Catalani’s ‘Chanson groënlandaise’ is the longest on the recording and the only song with a French text. The three songs by Martucci will present an unfamiliar name to many, ending with the delightful ‘No, svaniti, non sono i sogni’ in a swinging triple time. Following immediately is Tosti’s ‘L’ultimo bacio’, with the composer (a favourite with Queen Victoria) also represented by the much better-known ‘Ideale’. Blumenthal performs on an instrument that sounds almost like a fortepiano, apt in this repertory.