Songs (2009)

"Gurney is one of the finest of all English song composers. Not only is his music memorable, enhancing the texts and drawing out the meanings they contain, but also he had a perspicacious eye for suitable texts to set. Though many female singers perform songs by Gurney, I’m not aware of many CDs entirely devoted to his songs on which the singer is a lady. If for no other reason than that, therefore, this recital by Susan Bickley would be welcome but its overall excellence makes it doubly welcome. I enjoyed this disc enormously. Susan Bickley’s singing gives consistent pleasure. Her tone is full and warm and the restrained way in which she deploys vibrato is one reason, I’m sure, why her diction is very clear throughout. She understands these songs and sings them with great sensitivity and intelligence. Iain Burnside offers a fine contribution. This is a very fine recital containing many first rate songs. Lovers of English song should not hesitate." (musicweb-international.com)