Hyperion's French song series continues with this exquisite album dedicated to the considerable output of Claude Debussy. Baritone Christopher Maltman teams up with pianist Malcolm Martineau to produce a very fine disc indeed.
The opening five songs are little miniatures which find Maltman in fine voice, especially in the delightful; 'Mandoline'. The song cycles contain some of the most beautiful in the French repertoire, especially 'Trois Melodies', with some ravishing piano accompaniment in 'L'echelonnement des haies'.
Maltman is not always the ideal exponent as his diction is occasionally found wanting. But the young baritone brings magnificent sturdiness to the music and he is sensitively accompanied by an understanding Martineau. The recordings is excellent, with just a touch of nasal top at high registers, but otherwise with copious notes and marvellous presentation, we have another Hyperion winner.
Copyright © 2007, Gerald Fenech