Album: Faryl, Wonderland (Decca)

Andy Gill
Thursday 26 November 2009 20:00 EST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

For her second album, the young mezzo-soprano has tried to develop an overall theme, loosely based around Alice In Wonderland, though listeners may struggle to discern a trace of it.

As before, she and producer Jon Cohen have sweetened the classical elements, adding a glutinous lyric to "Winter" from The Four Seasons for a "Wonderland" heavy on oboe and glockenspiel, cooing prettily through the modern light-classical landmark "Adiemus", and essaying impressive multi-tracked descant and harmonies on Offenbach's "Barcarolle". Elsewhere, Sakamoto's "Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence" is gently captivating, and Uilleann pipes bring an earthy poignancy to "Blow The Wind Southerly"; but on "Close To You" and other tracks, the lack of emotional weight is telling.

Download this Barcarolle; Merry Christmas, Mr Lawrence; Adiemus; Blow The Wind Southerly

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in