Michael Hurd: Choral Music Vol.2 & Complete Solo Songs for voice and piano

When we heard the opera The Aspern Papers by Hurd, based on the novel by Henry James, we did not doubt a moment that it was a composer that increased his attractive harmony with a special warmth. Hurd's love for literature and the human voice is indisputable. This second volume of choral music, a two-disc album that includes, in addition to music for choir, a selection of songs for voice and piano, vocals very representative of the English composer. These are songs where the listener can capture the sensitivity and lyricism of Hurd. The poems he choose, all of them with a reflective and intimate character, the chromatic melodies - by the way, very grateful for the voice - and the complex accompaniments of the piano show their way of feeling music and poetry. The different interpretations, wonderfully executed, by Marta Fontanals-Simmons and Sarah Mapplebeck are vibrant, sensitive and magnetism that reaches the listener. David Temple directs the voices of the magnificent choir Hertfordshire Chorus with exquisiteity. It shows the fluidity of the sound articulation of voices that achieve a sound beauty that reveals the creativity of Michael Hurd. Marçal Borotau, sonograma.org

On Michael Hurd’s tombstone are the words “Composer and Author.” He was talented as both and as broadcaster, lecturer, and musical organizer. While perhaps most widely known for his “pop cantatas” he also produced many other works, especially in the choral field.

Much of Hurd’s instrumental music, as well as his operas and songs, have been recorded, so it is appropriate that this is Volume One of his choral music, which will fill in gaps in the most substantial part of his output. Jeremy Backhouse and the Vasari Singers bring the finesse and clarity of line to these performances that one would expect from their previous recordings and they are especially attuned to the skill with which Hurd sets his texts. They also demonstrate an excellent sense of pace and a true affinity for Hurd’s special harmonic sense. Highly recommended. William Kreindler, MusicWeb

REVIEW SRCD363 Hurd Choral Music Volume 1