BENJAMIN, A. / BAINTON, E.L.: Songs (Bickley, Gillett, Hiscock)

This British Music Society recording features several world premiere recordings by two composers whose vocal music is a relative rarity on disc. Benjamin’s is imbued with a sense of refinement and impeccable craftsmanship, as well as the rhythmic vitality and colour expected from a virtuoso pianist. Bainton’s hallmarks also include sensitive and harmonically imaginative piano writing, his devotion to poetry resulting in settings with an outstanding artistic instinct for beauty.