...forthcoming from Toccata:
https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/9637768--wilhelm-kienzl-four-song-cycles
...but the tenor's terrible - unsteady and strained. If this repertoire is to make any headway, it must be sung better than this. Oh dear.
What do you think of the actual music, Alan?
Very melodious and attractive - but this is no good for repeated listening. The tenor's an inspurable obstacle, for me at least. I suppose it's hard to find really good vocalists to record this sort of repertoire.
I do so agree, Alan. I remember being delighted when Toccata issued a CD of songs by Amy Woodforde-Finden, many years ago, then bitterly disappointed when it arrived and I discovered how quite shockingly badly they were performed. I simply couldn't listen to it and gave the CD to charity. A completely lost opportunity. Hearing it produced only frustration, anguish and headache!
The desire to explore and record this sort of repertoire is laudable, but what's the point in employing third-rate singers?