Choral and Song Recording of the Month - “The art of vocal duetting is exemplified at its best in this recital by two of today’s finest British singers, working with an accompanist of equal merit…The programme has been intelligently planned…Yet the most memorable tracks are inevitably the duets, with Joseph Middleton’s striking playing reminding us how essential quality pianism is to such enterprises.” ★★★★★
Editor’s Choice (December 2017) - “Middleton…the absolute king of programming…The billing promises much, and the performances certainly deliver…Here is a captivating, unhackneyed programme, presented by singers – a double act in a thousand – and pianist with a style and allure it would be hard to beat. No one remotely drawn to this repertoire should hold back…Joseph Middleton fully savours the ingenuity and extravagance of Britten’s piano realisations…Carolyn Sampson’s fleet, smiling ‘Aufträge’, [is] abetted by Middleton’s diaphanous accompaniment. The duets – superior salon music – are all enchanting. With Middleton always an animated partner.”
“Middleton shines in the Schumann settings and as MC in Roger Quilter’s Love calls through the summer night. Sheer delight.” ★★★★★
“Carolyn Sampson’s soprano sparkles and Iestyn Davies’s countertenor glides through the air in this compilation, individually and in duet. They sing together with an enjoyment of the music’s ebb and flow that is clearly shared by their pianist, Joseph Middleton...what’s on offer here is beautifully judged, the two voices playing off each other and sharing nuanced expression” ★★★★★
Nominated for Best Vocal CD at International Classical Music Awards
Reached No 2 in the Official Classical Charts