Elgar: Complete Songs Vol.2

The second volume of Elgar's 'complete' songs from Channel Classics contains twenty two compositions composed between 1872 and 1931. The earliest, 'The Language of Flowers', is Elgar's earliest complete work and written when he was only fifteen. Of the other songs, 'The King's Way' is a setting utilising the trio tune from the fourth 'Pomp and Circumstance' march and is a beautifully crafted occasional piece. All the other songs are well worth hearing and make a delightful programme.The singers are very well chosen. The baritone Konrad Jarnot studied with Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau and is a superb lieder singer. He has a beautiful voice and never sounds strained. His diction is perfect and treats these songs with the respect they deserve.The soprano is Amanda Roocroft who is, of course, well known as both opera singer and recitalist. Her voice is perfect for these songs. She has a beautiful tone and is neither overly dramatic nor too sentimental in her approach to these rather understated compositions.The pianist is Reinild Mees. She is a noted accompanist and has worked with many notable singers including Olaf Bar and Sergei Leiferkus. She is perfect in this repertoire and has a great understanding of the nuances of Elgar's music.Lewis Foreman's booklet essay is both detailed and informative and full texts are provided. The recording quality is excellent.Although the two volumes of this edition of Elgar's songs are not quite complete, in that some new songs have recently been discovered, it is now definitely 'first choice' for this repertoire. High recommended.