James Gilchrist - English Song Collection - American Record Guide

Gilchrist's set of three releases ('The English Song Collection') is available for a reduced price. Each is available separately, but the set is something lovers of twentieth-century English songs will not want to miss. A 2005 release, O Fair to See, presents three groups of songs by Gerald Finzi and is reviewed under that composer. Earth, Sweet Earth from 2010, with outstanding performances of Kenneth Leighton's 'Earth, Sweet Earth' and Britten's 'Winter Words' was one of my 'critic's choices' for 2011. The third disc, titled On Wenlock Edge, was released to critical acclaim in 2008; it presents 'On Wenlock Edge' of Vaughan Williams, 'The Curlew of Warlock', ‘Elegiac Sonnet' of Bliss, and 'Ludlow' and 'Teme' of Gurney- all works that call for piano and small instrumental ensemble. It's a brilliantly planned program.

His elegant voice is steady and tonally consistent over his entire range; and he uses it with grace, probing skill, and impeccable enunciation. With instrumental playing of the higher order, the praise this release has drawn from many quarters is fully justified.