‘Buoyed by Johnson’s acutely judged accompaniments, the fresh-toned young soprano Harriet Burns, on her CD debut, spins a pure line and responds sensitively to the echt-Brahmsian moods of loneliness, regret and pathos … in the Deutsche Volkslieder, several sung here as duets, she and tenor Robin Tritschler nicely balance artlessness and telling characterisation’ (Gramophone)

‘The last two volumes were fine recitals from Benjamin Appl and Ian Bostridge, so the bar’s been set seriously high for the solo debut of soprano Harriet Burns, and she delivers (with the help of Johnson’s stewardship, of course). It’s a really well-planned recital … Harriet Burns makes a fine solo debut here; tenor Robin Tritschler’s contributions to the German folksongs are enjoyable as well’ (BBC Record Review)

‘It almost goes without saying that this is a well-planned recital for a recording debutant’s disc, giving her room to show different sides of her musical personality, and yet play to her strengths. Those strengths include an intrinsically appealing basic sound, control of line and tone, and identification with what she is singing about … the recorded sound is exemplary, and this is a strong addition to an invaluable series’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘While Brahms’s Lieder discography is far from as comprehensive as Schubert’s it is still large enough to be a challenge for any newcomer, and a soprano has to compete with great names from the past—and not so distant past. Browsing my own not too extensive collection I found names like Elisabeth Schwarzkopf, Irmgard Seefried, Elly Ameling, Edith Mathis and Jessye Norman, who have all made indelible impressions through their recordings. What then has a young soprano, who here makes her CD debut, to offer against such competition? Quite a lot, actually … a fresh, unscathed voice of considerable beauty and a willingness to find adequate nuances. Her piano and pianissimo singing is lovely throughout … I look forward to hearing more from Harriet Burns’ (MusicWeb International)» More

„Alles in allem offenbart die Programmauswahl die Stärken ihres durch und durch lyrischen Soprans, der wunderbar aufblühen kann wie in den beseelten „Sechs Gesängen“ op. 7, in denen auch Gedichte von Eichendorff und Uhland vertont wurden. Sie sind deutsche Romantik pur, und Harriet Burns offenbart einen tiefen Sinn und eine Begabung für derlei Repertoire“ (Opera Lounge, Germany)

'Ditmaal brengt sopraan Harriet Burns Sechs Gesänge Opus 7, van toen de componist amper twintig jaar oud was. De andere geselecteerde werken bieden een reis door de rest van ’s mans carrière. Topwerk op deze schijf is een selectie uit de volksliederen met pianobegeleiding Wo033, gepubliceerd in 1894. Brahms was een van de eersten die volksmuziek naar waarde schatte. Hij beschouwde de 49 liederen als toppunt van zijn kunnen' (Kerk & Leven, Belgium)