Alexander Young Sings Roger Quilter

This blog has presented Alexander Young's recital of songs by Vaughan Williams and Peter Warlock; now it's time for his take on another English composer - the less celebrated, but nonetheless worthwhile Roger Quilter.

Roger Quilter

Five years younger than Vaughan Williams, Quilter had died at age 75 only a year or so before this program was transcribed in 1954. His output was almost entirely confined to songs, although his Children's Overture is sometimes heard.

I continue to be puzzled by the slight regard for tenor Alexander Young's artistry. The download includes a review of this LP by the estimable Andrew Porter, who complains that Young does not measure up to Gervase Elwes (who introduced some of these songs) or to John McCormick. For good measure Porter snorts that some of Quilter's work is insipid.

Alexander Young

Well, now. What Porter thinks is bland, I think is sensitive. Similarly, I enjoy the understated approach of Young, which Porter finds to be too much of too little.

I will say that if you have enjoyed the previous Alexander Young recitals, you may discover that this edition is to your taste as well. The sound is good, and as before, the sympathetic accompanist is Gordon Watson. This was transferred from the American Westminister edition of an English Argo original.