Ireland: Songs

Three marvellous young singers come together with Graham Johnson to present this 2-CD set of virtually all of the songs of this reticent but much loved English composer. Before his death in 1962, John Ireland wrote many more songs than the famous 'Sea Fever' (which is sung here by Cardiff prize-winner Christopher Maltman). No less than 69 of them are here, several recorded for the first time. The poets include Shakespeare, the Rossettis, Thomas Hardy, A E Housman, John Masefield and Sir Henry Newbolt. Full texts are included in the booklet.

CDA67261/2  148 minutes 42 seconds (2 discs)
‘Perhaps these discs will at last bring the best of his songs back into live recital’ (BBC Music Magazine)
‘Three excellent young British singers share the treasures recorded here under the sage aegis of Graham Johnson. Lisa Milne's bright, keen soprano is lovely, John Mark Ainsley is a model of style and ...
‘A welcome, long overdue event. Excellent introduction to unduly neglected repertoire’ (Classic CD)