DIVINE MUSICK RECEIVES CRITICAL ACCLAIM

"This debut recital disc by American-born, Canadian tenor Lawrence Wiliford embodies sensitive, expressive performances in a program of mostly late works by Benjamin Britten, all economical in texture and featuring lyrical harp accompaniment by Jennifer Swartz. - Rick MacMillan, Opera Canada (Canada)

"La voix de Lawrence Wiliford, d’une belle pureté de timbre, peu de vibrato et une fort belle diction, convient assez bien à la poésie des textes mis en musique par Britten, d’inspiration doucement mélancolique pour la plupart."
- Crescendo Magazine (Belgium)

"Light-voiced, mellifluous, pleasing, Wiliford makes easier listening than Pears could sometimes be in the twilight of his career... The balance between voice and harp is excellent throughout." - Gramaphone Magazine (UK)

"[T]he musicianship on this disc is extraordinary. [...] [Wiliford has] become a sensitive and expressive singer, with a supple and beautiful instrument that seems always to do his bidding." -Erick Lichte in Stereophile Magazine (USA)

"With the sweet clarity of Lawrence Wiliford's voice that never stresses or pushes but simply tells a story, coupled with Jennifer Swartz's musicality and depth, this disc is a revelation of the great possibilities for harp and voice. I highly recommend this recording". -Alison Young, Harp Column Magazine (USA)

Toronto Star classical music critic, John Terauds, gives Divine Musick 4/4 stars. Read the review.

Globe and Mail critic, Robert Everett-Green, chooses "The Death of Saint Narcissus" as a track pick of the week. Essential Tracks (November 9, 2010)

The Wholenote magazine calls it "a striking album" that "lovingly recreates" the fruits of the Pears - Ellis creative partnership. Read the review (on page 63).

Britten: Divine Musick
The Late Works for Tenor and Harp
Released: September 28, 2010
Catalog Number ACD22623
ATMA Classique

Nominated by the International Classical Music Awards for Best Vocal Recital CD, 2012

Purchase at Amazon.com

MINNESOTA PUBLIC RADIO FEATURE
Listen to Lawrence Wiliford's interview with Steve Staruch about his debut solo recording Britten: Divine Musick The Late Works for Tenor and Harp