[Williams] has a mellow, refined tone, distinctively poetic delivery, and is keenly sensitive to the words. And with Allan’s lively support, he can unleash sufficient vigour in the emotional contrasts of Butterworth’s Shropshire Lad songs, in particular Is my team ploughing?’s haunted unease.

It is delivered by a true specialist, Roderick Williams, who, with his mellow tone and perfect intonation, somehow manages to find the right tempo, a range of the most appropriate nuances and the perfect emotional temperature for each song. He is also supported admirably by Susie Allan, who provides that complementary articulation and gesture from the piano. This is a treat.

This is, quite simply, an exemplary recital of English song. The musicianship and perception that these artists display in every song makes for a deeply satisfying and very engaging listening experience. SOMM have supported their artists with high production values.