The songs are highly attractive nonetheless: tuneful, harmonically delicate, nearly all gently contemplative, and indeed sounding more British than American, an impression deepened by Donald George’s surprisingly British English-sounding accent and style. Many of Lang’s songs have Scottish or Irish elements, and the lovely Irish Love Song op.22 was in fact one of her most successful works, reportedly running to over 120,000 copies when published.

Twenty-five songs in 48 minutes indicates an inclination towards considerable brevity, and indeed there are only two songs over three minutes. Objections might be raised regarding the artistic value of setting Edward Lear’s doggerel to music, but Lang carries out that thankless task with panache and wit, including an amusing new ‘flight of the bumble-bee’ in ‘There was an old man in a tree’. Elsewhere the generally American poetry is more deserving, but Lang in any case unfailingly injects her chosen texts with fresh blood.

Donald George has a good voice and even better diction. He sings with great expression, resisting any temptation to turn melodramatic. Lucy Mauro’s accompaniment is thoughtfully understated, complementing always rather than bossing. Mauro and George have been performing together as DuoDrama for five years, and this is their debut CD.

Sound quality is impressive. © 2012 MusicWeb International Read complete review

Donald George—with his attractive, slightly dark tenor voice and warm vibrato—is a good choice…Lucy Mauro’s playing is crisp and well suited to the music… © 2012 American Record Guide Read complete review on American Record Guide online

I had the pleasure of reviewing this one. Again, as with the Mozart DVD, it was a wonderful surprise. Lang was nearly forgotten, largely due to herself, as she destroyed many of her works but she was a fascinating woman composer who lived nearly 105 years! It was a delightful, refreshing experience to listen to her music and to talk to the performers who had the brilliant idea of making this CD. Initiatives such as these, deserve to be acknowledged in any possible manner. To me, the revelation of the year! © MusicWeb International