On this Island

Lynne Dawson is one of Britain's best-loved and most popular singers, especially since her appearance at the televised funeral of Princess Diana. She has taken part in innumerable recordings on many labels, including Hyperion, but has not so far had a disc dedicated solely to her. So here is her first solo CD on which she sings her own selection of English songs with her chosen pianist Malcolm Martineau. As the repertoire list shows, the programme is a widely varied one, with composers from Parry to Britten (whose cycle provides the disc with its title), and it includes several rarely heard songs as well as many well-known ones. Read Drofnatsky's name backwards and you will discover the real identity of the composer of these Edward Lear limerick settings.

CDA67227  65 minutes 33 seconds
‘A top British soprano shines in a recital that should appeal well beyond her shores. The programme is delightful, and so are the performances’ (Gramophone)
‘The programme is well chosen, with familiar songs alongside some that have been unjustly neglected. Dawson’s performances are wholly intelligent, nicely phrased and display deep musical understandin ...
‘Taken with the unusual repertory and Lynne Dawson’s unusually fine singing, this becomes an easily recommended introduction to the world of English song’ (American Record Guide)