Richard Strauss (1864 – 1949)

1. Rote Rosen (Red Roses), Op.76

2. Die erwachte Rose (The Rose Awoken), Op.66

3. Begegnung (Meeting), Op.72

 

Richard Wagner (1813 – 1883)

4. – 8. Wesendonck-Lieder

 

Sergei Prokofiev (1891 – 1953)

9. – 13. Five Poems of Anna Akhmatova, Op.27

 

Benjamin Britten (1913 – 1976)

14. – 19. The Poet’s Echo, Op.76

 

Roger Quilter (1877 – 1953)

20. Fair House of Joy, Op.12, No.7

21. Autumn Evening, Op.14, No.1

22. Dream Valley, Op.20, No.1

23. Love's Philosophy, Op.3, No.1

 

Ned Rorem (b. 1923)

24. Early in the Morning

25. Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal

26. O You Whom I Often and Silently Come

27. Little Elegy

28. Alleluia

 

Susan Bullock, soprano

Malcolm Martineau, piano

 

Recorded 21 - 25 May 2006 at CREAR, Argyll, Scotland

 

Susan Bullock, one of today’s leading dramatic sopranos, offers a stunning recording for Avie’s innovative Crear Classics series with a recital of songs which are linked by the theme of love and aspects of love. Covering a vast period from 1880 to the 1950s, the 19th century is represented by Richard Strauss in his youthful and flirtatious three early Lieder, and Wagner in his mature romance with Mathilde Wesendonck which resulted in the songs bearing her name. Prokofiev’s wistful and woebegone love songs are a fascinating complement to Britten’s Pushkin settings. Selections by the quintessential song composers Roger Quilter and Ned Rorem round out the eclectic programme. Susan Bullock’s consummate collaborator is Malcolm Martineau who first appeared on Avie in recital with mezzo-soprano Ann Murray (AV2077). For the many who heard Susan Bullock’s sold-out 2005 Wigmore Hall debut or her BBC Radio 3’s Voice programme in 2006, performing much of this repertoire, this generous recording will be a distinctive memento.

 

critical acclaim for Susan Bullock

“Susan Bullock is an artist of rare musical and dramatic intelligence … the vocal star of the show.” – The Sunday Times

 

“an exceptional Wagnerian … Britten’s Pushkin cycle … combined a formidable dynamic range and an astonishing way with words.” – The Guardian, on Susan Bullock’s 2005 Wigmore Hall debut 

 

“she uses her largish voice with sensitivity and intelligence, reining in its muscularity but making the most of the vibrancy to colour, to brighten, to excite the musical line. The full force of it is only summoned on demand. And even then it's more the strength of her personality that pins you to the back of your seat.” – The Independent

 

“she gave her all and rightly enjoyed a triumph.” – The Sunday Telegraph

 

summary

Leading dramatic soprano Susan Bullock offers an eclectic recital recording of songs by Wagner, Prokofiev, Britten, Strauss, Quilter and Rorem with consummate collaborator Malcolm Martineau.

 

Avie AV2117