
Andrew Palmer, Group Editor
Classical Music: Brindley Sherratt - Fear No More
Fear No More
Schubert Fahrt zum Hades, D 5262; Der Schiffer, D 5363; L’incanto degli occhi, D 902/14; Auf der Donau, D 5535; Der Tod und das Mädchen, D 5316; Strauss Im Spätboot; Mussorgsky Songs and Dances of Death; John Ireland Sea-Fever; Finzi Fear no more the heat o’ the sun; Gurney By a Bierside; Head Limehouse Reach; Warlock Captain Stratton’s Fancy
Brindley Sherratt bass
Julius Drake piano
Delphian DCD34313
https://www.delphianrecords.com/
Wow! The resonance and depth of Brindley Sherratt’s voice are impressive from the moment he delivers Schubert’s
Fahrt zum Hades.
You may not have heard of Sherratt, as this is his first recital album two decades into a successful international career. But, as John Fallas points out, Brindley Sherratt’s career has been far from conventional. The bass even started his career late. He initially trained as a trumpeter before switching to singing after winning an opera aria competition he had entered just for fun.
Now, thanks to Delphian, this debut disc will justly put him centre stage with a satisfying enjoyable and varied recital that has fear and death at its heart. Pianist Julius Drake accompanies with his usual technical brilliance and sympathetic interpretations.
There are many exceptional moments, whether it be capturing the drama of Mussorgsky’s
Songs and Dances of Death, especially the Trepak, the control of his low notes at the end of Strauss’
Spatboot, or the richness and warmth of the English songs.
Sherratt's striking voice is impressive, and the clarity, reach, dynamics, and emotional fervour are remarkable. He holds the listener captive with an intensity that grips through his tremendous skill at accelerating towards crescendos and carefully decelerating to diminuendos, which showcase his mastery in impassioned performances.
This disc is a winner, so let’s hope the Delphian team plans another disc sooner rather than later.
![Brindley Sherratt and Julius Drake
Photo: foxbrush.co.uk©]()
Brindley Sherratt and Julius Drake
Photo: foxbrush.co.uk©