The happy surprise of this discerningly planned and splendidly executed recital of songs in English is Chanler’s Eight Epitaphs, settings by the little-known American composer of Walter de la Mare. These are subtly and memorably written for both voice and piano and executed with perspicacity and technical control by both artists, with Burnside’s fleet account of the difficult piano part in ‘Three Sisters’ a particular joy.
For the rest Polegato, the fine Canadian baritone who did so well at the Cardiff Singer of the World Competition three years ago, deploys his even, warm-toned baritone to unerring effect. Modelling himself, I guess, on Hampson, he displays a well-nigh perfect line and shapely phrasing, always alert to a song’s meaning and point of climax. Especially welcome is his championing of Finzi, to whose songs he brings a ring of complete conviction, always ably partnered by Burnside. In all, he captures both the ruminative and extrovert sides of the composer’s nature, and the lovely ‘To Lizbie Browne’ stands as a template of all the baritone’s appreciable virtues.
The more familiar groups by Britten – an early, unaffected work – and Butterworth all evince the same musical and interpretative gifts. With a clear and forward recording, this disc receives my hearty recommendation