“Whately’s ability to trace the drama of each song, whether in powerful climax or drawing back to a whisper, makes this an absorbing journey, with Middleton a poised and incisive co-traveller. By inserting Strauss’s Morgen! (Tomorrow) halfway through, we too have a sense of momentum, as well as release.”
“Throughout Whately and Middleton prove highly persuasive guides; the pianist bringing the accompaniments vividly to life and the mezzo fully committed to the works and impressive, in particular, in getting the texts across.”
Editor’s Choice (February 2023) - “Whately's such an emotionally engaged and engaging singer (and Middleton such a responsive partner) that even familiar songs like Strauss's 'Morgen' sound as fresh as the genuine rarities by Johanna Müller-Hermann and Margarete Schweikert (the latter's 'Totenhausen' stands out, though everything here is more than worthy of your attention).”
★★★★ Performance ★★★★★ Recording