I do not think it is an exaggeration to say that these songs, and others of their ilk, have an important place in the history of western music. I am sure that these tunes will be hummed and played long after most of Benjamin Britten's entire output is forgotten.
It may have been the attitude of British musicologists of a few decades ago to sneer at this repertoire (Porter, Weill, Rogers & Hammerstein et al) - see The Shorter Oxford Dictionary of Music in the 1960s. But, folks, they were WRONG.
The arrangements on this disc are stunningly good. Varied, musical, interesting, appropriate, and beautifully played. (And see previous reviewer's comment on Ondes Martenot!) The team behind these arrangements are to be heartily congratulated for being fully in sympathy with the original composers.
Bryan Ferry's voice is not perhaps what you would call lyric Baritone. Yet he performs these classics in a manner that is entirely listenable and appropriate, and nicely balanced with the ensemble. Everything is beautifully under control.
It is a delight to hear this repertoire receiving such sympathetic and high-quality treatment from a contemporary artist.
Buy it, and play it continually.