Lorna Windsor – Soprano
William Hancox – Piano
Willowhayne Records WHR097
This is a generously filled disc of English songs embracing a period of over 80 years. Six composers are represented beginning with eight songs by Peter Warlock, including the infuriatingly tricky Jillian of Berry.
There are three significant works by the much-underestimated Carey Blyton (1932-2002) his Lacrymae (in memoriam John Dowland) with words by five English poets including Shelley. The subtly expressive Lyrics from the East, one of his last works and quite typical of Blyton the perfect miniaturist, there are no wasted notes.
We then have the more complex Lyrics from the Chinese, a student work ancient words translated by Helen Waddell and set with much understanding and sensitivity . He was, throughout his life fascinated by the Orient and he was often inspired by its music and philosophy.
These works have each been recorded before but in the later versions orchestrated for strings and performed by Ian Partridge (Upbeat URCD169). We also have Moeran’s Seven Poems by James Joyce which come off very well and, for me, are an especial highlight of the disc. These songs seem, mostly, to suit Windsor’s voice convincingly.
Much of this music is published by Fand Music Press founded by Peter Thompson and his work is represented by two moving settings of poems by Burns and Swinburne. John Mitchell who is the guiding light behind Modus Music is represented by the most recent of the pieces, four beautifully nostalgic songs under the title of Bright Clouds, settings of Edward Thomas from 2023. There is also a memorable song by Bax, Welcome Somer with words by Chaucer.
The booklet is excellent with notes by Peter Thompson and John Mitchell. There are the usual performer biographies and photographs including an amusing one of Warlock and Moeran swaggeringly waving their flagons of ale! All texts are clearly provided which is always good, although Lorna Windsor’s diction is almost always clear.
Windsor and Hancox make a good team with an obvious sympathy in demonstrating an understanding of an agreed interpretation. There are many pleasing vocal moments, and there is a real passion and commitment to the interpretations. The tone quality of singers is, of course, always a matter of taste, and this is not unusual, but anyway Lorna Windsor communicates what she wants to say and seems, with just a few exceptions, to truly inhabit the song and bring it to life.
The SMC Studios Ivrea studio recording is excellently balanced and clear.
Review by Gary Higginson