“…It would be hard to imagine a more attractive bass-baritone voice than Finley’s, and his vocal gifts combined with his musical and dramatic acumen make these performances a delight.” “…The London Philharmonic Orchestra plays with precision under conductor Edward Gardner, and the Geoffrey Mitchell Choir provides excellent support, particularly in the Meistersingers excerpt. Chandos’s recording captures a myriad of subtle details found in the colourful orchestral textures…”
“…Finley’s accomplishment with this album is impressive…”
 

Derek Greten-Harrison

“…Several singers in this series of recordings have recorded multiple volumes, and I hope this will be the case for Finley. He is at the height of his powers and such indelible artistry should be captured on disc to be enjoyed by as many listeners as possible.”    *****

David Laviska     

                     Disc of the Month
“This is a hugely impressive recital from a singer who has gone from strength to strength in recent years in matching an exceptional voice to a powerful stage presence.”

Kenneth Chalmers

“Opera recital discs too often play safe with repertoire. Not here. This intelligent compilation from Chandos Opera in English, with vivid support from Edward Gardner and the LPO, satisfyingly mixes popular with unfamiliar. Finley, a versatile stage presence, brings integrity to every dark, burnished note he sings.” …

Fiona Maddocks
 

“The Canadian-born lyric baritone Gerald Finley currently ranks as one of the finest male singers in the world. As this recital of operatic arias in English handsomely demonstrates Finley has it all: a rich-toned and smoothly produced voice, crisp diction, sterling technique, immaculate legato, a keen sense of musical style and unfailing sensitivity to drama and character.”
“… this disc includes appetite-whetting extracts from several operas that Finley has yet to sing on stage. Vivid accompaniments are provided by the LPO under Edward Gardner.”
 

Rupert Christiansen

 

“The range, warmth and expressiveness of Gerald Finley’s singing puts him among the outstanding baritones of today.”   “…Finley gives life to the roles on this disc because he has played them on stage. He is fortunate in Edward Gardner’s high-quality conducting of the LPO.”    *****

Michael Kennedy



 

“…Altogether this is a thoroughly enjoyable recital, which I strongly recommend… Chandos scores points with the clarity of both voice and orchestra. I always find Finley worth hearing, and this disc presents so many positive attributes in his singing and interpretation.”
“Edward Gardner, a fine opera conductor, draws out the relative emotions and dramas in concord with the singer and he and the London Philharmonic play their own part in this top-rank recital….”

John T Hughes

“…his [Finley] accounts of the above-named villains are as dramatically powerful as they are gorgeously sung.”  ****

Warwick Thompson
 

                    Editors Choice
“An award-winning baritone offers a calling-card of his stage work”

Mike Ashman
 

“…He [Finley] not only has a first-class voice; he is also intelligent and versatile, as he demonstrates in these 13 arias, all sung in English.” “…Finley brings individual flair to them all.”           *****

Andrew Clark