Schumann: Songs Vol.6

The previous issues in this Hyperion series have picked up a clutch of awards, and you do not need a crystal ball to predict that this one will be going the same way. The combination of four fresh young voices, Hyperion's superb sound quality, and the endlessly talented Graham Johnson guarantees another winner. Providing a marathon complete recording of Schubert's songs has clearly not diminished Johnson's energies one bit. Schumann's work springs fresh off the page, with six songs by Clara Schumann for good measure. Johnson's warmly crafted accompaniment aside, he must be applauded for consistently finding first-class singers, not to mention his comprehensive and thought-provoking program notes. But it is the singers that most people go for, and no one will be disappointed here. In duets and quartets they blend mellifluously, creating the kind of organic sound that typified the golden years of Johnson's lauded vocal group the Songmakers' Almanac. None of this repertoire is especially well known, but this is a disc where you can dip in virtually anywhere and be instantly captivated. Into the bargain we also get Stephen Hough joining Johnson for two short piano duets. --Keith Clarke