Davidsen’s grandly sized soprano is headed for Wagner and other dramatic operas, but we know from recital appearances that she is also a very appreciable artist in solo song. Everything here is beautiful, the voice gleaming and lyrical, the style unforced but communicative...it is a bonus to have Norway’s leading pianist, Leif Ove Andsnes, on hand to add accompaniments of sparkling precision.

In purely vocal terms, it's a stunning display of range and technical control...Andsnes’s role cannot be overestimated, either. His playing is supremely refined and sensitive…An outstanding release.

This is one of those albums where the synergy between the two artists and their mutual affinity with the repertoire combine to truly spellbinding effect. Davidsen may be destined for Isolde and Brünnhilde, but she’s also capable of extraordinary delicacy when painting on a smaller canvas – and Andsnes backs her to the hilt throughout, revelling in the passages where she unleashes the full firepower but never obscuring the vocal line in the many magical moments where she tapers the sound to a fine silvery thread.

she is at her best when she lightens the tone for the two comic folk songs, and she is most affecting in the well-known Ibsen setting, En Svane (A Swan), Jeg Elsker Dig! (I Love You!) and Varen (Spring), delivered with remarkable delicacy for such a big voice. In Andsnes she has an ideal pianist and champion for Norway’s national composer.

Whatever the register, Davidsen’s vibrant voice knows no kinks, and easily holds us in an iron grip. Even so, it’s a special pleasure when the songs allow her to dim the headlights and restrain the volume. The recording throughout is uniformly good.