As demonstrated by this first volume of the complete songs of Frederick Delius, as well as a previous album of the complete songs of George Butterworth, and
English Love: Songs of Passion, Pain & Pleasure, baritone Mark Stone and pianist
Stephen Barlow appear to have embarked on a quest to record the overlooked songs of British composers from the late 19th and early 20th century; this project has considerable artistic merit, if not obvious commercial advantages. On this album, the songs Delius composed on texts by Shakespeare, Tennyson, Shelley, Henley, and others, as well as English translations of Norwegian poetry by
Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and Henrik Ibsen, are largely cast in a late-Romantic style, typical of sentimental parlor music of the fin de siècle. The music is delivered with assurance and sincerity by Stone, whose strong voice is effectively supported by
Barlow's subtle accompaniment. Yet these are not first-rate art songs, and despite the interest fans of Delius might have for them, they are not typical of his mature impressionism. Instead, his harmonies and lyrical melodies are quite similar to the style of his friend and mentor, Edvard Grieg, who encouraged him early in his career. Admirers of gentle and soothing vocal music will find this CD attractive, and they may well explore Stone's other recordings on his own label for similar fare.