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Hyperion continue with their splendid surveys of English song and Sir Arthur Bliss is certainly one of the most unknown composers in this thoroughly English genre. However Giles Easterbrook (in his splendidly extensive notes) confirms that Bliss composed songs for the best part of sixty years ending in 1968 just a few years before he died. Indeed, the richly diversive selection and highly qualitative pieces on these two discs confirm the serious emphasis that the composer put into his song writing. Probably the most important is the sixteen-minute setting of 'A Knot of Riddles' where Henry Herford is on top form accompanied by a splendidly vivacious Nash Ensemble. The 'Seven American Poems' are also vividly sung by this young baritone and these short songs confirm Bliss' respect for the other side of the Atlantic. We get more American stuff in the form of Geraldine McGreevy's soulfully searching 'Two American Poems' whilst De la Mare's settings in the 'Three Romantic Songs' are also quite sturdily sung by Toby Spence. In 'Angels of the Mind' we return to the Bliss of 'Miracle of the Gorbals' and 'Checkmate', that is strongly percussive music and a certain jazzy influence. The cycle is quite splendidly sung by McGreevy who also receives highly imaginative support from Kathryn Sturrock; a born accompanist in this somewhat difficult idiom. The shorter songs are also treasurable, you find a little gem here and there. Certainly 'A Child's Prayer' (Sassoon) and 'At the Window' are deserving of that category. There is also room for the overture to 'The Tempest', this is ravishingly played by Brabbins and the Nash Ensemble. All three soloists accredit themselves excellently and the imaginative accompaniments are a pleasure in their own right. I would say that there is just a little bit for everyone in this varied collection but it certainly deserves a place alongside the earlier released Ireland collection. Hyperion continue to explore this genre with remarkable consistency, it is however still a pity that Collins Classics defunct English Song series was not continued. However there is much to enjoy in another impeccably presented package from this ever-enterprising label.

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

See also review by Lewis Foreman

Reviewer

Gerald Fenech

Performance:

Sound:

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