Benjamin Britten

01/09/2009
Charles H. Parsons
American Record Guide (US)

This collection of 24 of Britten’s folksong arrangements is my first introduction to the artistry of the Australian tenor Davislim. His voice is of unusual consistency of warm tone and color all through its range. Most impressive is his solidity of tone—nary a warble or wobble. His accent is neither Australian nor quite English, but a happy distillation of English without becoming too “precious” or coy. And there is plenty of personality. The selections are all from the more popular arrangements. Nothing unusual here ... The complete English texts are included.