Lieder und Gesange

"I've mentioned Ainsley's singing several times but I have failed to comment on the contribution of Iain Burnside. As you might expect from Beethoven, his piano parts are far from "mere" accompaniments. The piano is a significant protagonist in most of these songs and Burnside rises to the challenges they pose extremely well. One feels his is a true partnership with Ainsley and I found their collaboration as satisfying as their individual contributions. Beethoven's songs may not be amongst his highest ranked compositions in terms of public esteem but they are far from negligible compositions and they are well worth hearing, especially in committed, sensitive performances such as these. Excellent sound and booklet notes complete the attractions of this welcome disc." (MusicWeb June 2009)

Following the November 2008 Signum release of Beethoven songs with Ann Murray and Roderick Williams, this companion disc features the talents of prolific British tenor John Mark Ainsley.