On This Island - more choral music and classical song . . .

The list author says:
	"There's no plot – a military oratorio if ever there was one - but this is a marvellous work."

The list author says:
	"Gardiner's recording is disappointing and there still exists no fine recording of this magnificent work, but try Ledger's (B00007KI22)."

The list author says:
	"A decent recording, though how Beauty is able to take Counsel (Truth) seriously when he has a voice like that I don't know . . . should really have used a contralto, not a falsetto!"

The list author says:
	"A beautiful composition in all respects.  I find this recording preferable to the others available because I find Gritton and Bostridge are far too harsh on the recordings of this work they're on."

The list author says:
	"A lovely recording of Handel’s masque of 1718 (it only emerged as an oratorio from substantial revision in 1732; in that revision the plot is more complete; a recording may soon be released by Somm)."

The list author says:
	"An exquisite performance/recording of a lovely oratorio which I understand was Handel's personal favourite.  Try Harnoncourt's recording for an interestingly contrasting reading (B000000SDA)."

The list author says:
	"A tale (its superb libretto using Milton's poem) of recklessness of emotion, prejudice and despair, beautifully scored and, on this recording, excellently conveyed.  Try Jephtha (B00008UANO) too."

The list author says:
	"I'm not too fond of Britten but this recording with tenor John Mark Ainsley, is very good.  Try also the Auden settings by Berkeley and Britten on B0000ACY0S and Holst’s solo songs on B0000CDJKD."

The list author says:
	"Lynne Dawson sings some of this songs beautifully, her voice and the piano creating a fascinating, almost aqueous texture, though on just a few she is somewhat unsteady."

The list author says:
	"Anthony Rolfe-Johnson is one my favourite tenors and this cycle of songs and spoken verse is wonderful.  Try "Songs of Travel" (B0000BX5L2) and "A century of English Song" (B00000IYM7) too."

The list author says:
	"Barbara Bonney is a uniquely fine singer and this collections of early English songs is well-chosen.  Try Purcell’s “Secular Solo Songs” too (B0000DJENT)."

The list author says:
	"A tale set in Britain at the time of the early Roman occupation.  This recording is more intimate and has better soloists than Hickox recording for Chandos (B000000ARL)."

The list author says:
	"Thomas Hampson is one of my favourite baritones."

The list author says:
	"A vibrant performance from Christie et al of unrivalled quality.  This 'highlights' CD is missing only a few tracks, and is definitely an acceptable alternative to the complete recording (B000005EEH)."

The list author says:
	"A very attractive choral setting."

The list author says:
	"A dramatic cantata for chorus, tenor, soprano and bass, relating episodes from the life of King Olaf.  One could wish for a better chorus on "The Snow" – which has the potential to be very affecting."

The list author says:
	"Siegfried Jerusalem must be one of the best helden-tenors around."

The list author says:
	"Barbara Bonney's "In Trutina" is lovely, but Norma Burrowes' high notes (B00005056P) in "Dulcissime" are better - in fact, I can find no "Dulcissime" better than Burrowes'."

The list author says:
	"Try Parry's "Songs of Farewell" also (B00000HXNI)."

The list author says:
	"Lovely.  Try Finzi's Requiem also (B000000AO3)."

The list author says:
	"Jessye Norman is incredible, but try Renee Fleming's recording too (B0001TSWIW)."

The list author says:
	"Try Norrington's recording and Gardiner's recording also."

The list author says:
	"Angela Gheorghiu performs "Libera me" with gripping emotional presence.  Fricsay's recording is also worth investigating.  Mozart’s Requiem is equally impressive: B000005E3K/B0000040YU."

The list author says:
	"Try Shaw's recording too (B000003CU2)."

The list author says:
	"Try his Choral Fantasy too (B0002W3EDG)."