RALPH VAUGHAN WILLIAMS (1872-1958): Summum bonum, Crossing the Bar, Wishes, Spinning Song, Rumpelstiltskin's Song, Linden Lea, The Last Invocation, The Love Song of the Birds (w/violin), How cold the wind doth blow (w/violin), Dirge for Fidele, It Was a Lover and His Lass, Searching for Lambs (w/violin only), The Lawyer (w/violin), 8 Songs from The Poisoned Kiss (arr. Adrian Williams [b.1956]).

Description: This recording is of songs and duets written between 1891 and 1935 - that is, from Vaughan Williams’s student years to somewhere near the middle of his working life. Some are original pieces by Vaughan Williams, while others are arrangements of folk songs. The label’s promotional material claims “many world premiere recordings” but the booklet marks none as such. Excellent notes preceding each song. Texts included. Mary Bevan (soprano), Jennifer Johnston (mezzo), Nicky Spence (tenor), Johnny Herford (baritone), William Vann (piano), Thomas Gould (violin).