Recording Reviews
Britten: Divine Musick The Late Works for Tenor and Harp
Released: September 28, 2010
Catalog Number ACD22623
ATMA Classique
Purchase at Amazon.com
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." Read the review. - 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).
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
Released: September 28, 2010
Catalog Number ACD22623
ATMA Classique
Purchase at Amazon.com
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." Read the review. - 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).
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