Customer Reviews

Lawrence Brownlee: Songs / Lieder / Melodies

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Lawrence Brownlee, with this debut recording of ITALIAN SONGS FOR TENOR AND PIANO, steps forward as a new tenor who bears watching. While there are currently some very fine young tenors (finally) on the scene who are genuinely talented and not just tenors du jour, Lawrence Brownlee is unique in his choice of introduction to the field. Instead of opting for a CD of favorite tenor arias ('Una furtiva lacrima', 'Nessun dorma', etc) with opera orchestra backup to punch up the volume and effect, Brownlee has the courage to debut with a very exposed recital with pianist Martin Katz of songs, all in Italian, but rarely heard. The result? A recording that not only allows the listener to really evaluate the tenor's vocal resources, but also appreciate his sensitivity in selecting repertoire. And that is a very welcome sign!

But of course the ultimate satisfaction of a recording must come from the voice and here Lawrence Brownlee demonstrates a rich, amber-toned tenor voice that is able to lean comfortably into legato lines as well as trip through the impossible hoops of Bel Canto repertoire. Wisely opening the recital with four 'canzone' by Schubert, a chance to demonstrate that the realm of opera is not the only path he will take in his career, Brownlee approaches these art songs with the sensitivity inherent in Schubert's marriage of music and poetry.

Then it is on to unfamiliar songs by Verdi, Donizetti, Bellini, and Rossini. His ornamentation is wholly natural and his ability to follow the patter line of, for instance, Rossini's 'La Danza' to technical perfection and excellent enunciation is truly remarkable. Martin Katz, one of our most revered piano collaborators, obviously applauds Brownlee's technique and vocal color: he provides just the right support to allow Brownlee to shine.

Lawrence Brownlee - mark the name. He steps into the spotlight with excellent preparation and uncommon communication. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, March 06

Larry is an amazing singer. I have seen him live in multiple occasions, both in intimate and larger settings, and the luscious expression of his voice never stops to amaze me. Rossini tenors can be quite boring in repertory outside belcanto, but that is not true with him. He can sing anything below his passagio beautifully and as engagingly as any high note, of which he has plenty. This album gives proof of that. His vibrato is most appealing and, combined with the warmth of his sound, reminds of the best old fashioned voices. This is the first solo album from a unique singer who will be around for many years and who has made and will make debuts with the most prominent companies. Once again, Bravo Larry!

From start to finish, this amazing recording is a perfect pairing of Mr. Lawrence Brownlee's voice with Mr. Martin Katz's piano, with each musical selection crafted to perfection, from the opening Franz Schubert "Vier Canzonen D688" to the heroic "L'esule" of Rossini to the affecting warmth and emotional finesse of Bellini's "La ricordanza (Sonetto di C. Pepoli)" (my personal favorite here). Just when I had succumbed to the reverent musical affectations of tenor Rolando Villazon, comes tenor Lawrence Brownlee who, I can assure you, will be tickling my cochlears for quite some time to come. This recording is a must, if you treasure the beauty of the Human Voice.

Lawrence Brownlee sings of love with such a voice that is so soothing and velvet you will forget it's a CD. One of the best tenor's I've heard in a long time.

C. Sheppard

I had the pleasure to see and hear Lawrence sing the lead in Rossini's Cinderella. He stopped the show. A beautiful and powerful voice he demonstrates great talent. I rushed home to order this recording as I wanted to possess his voice at will. I love this recording and cherish the magnificent voice. He brought me to my feet at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia and when I listen to this recording I feel like standing in my study and screaming BRAVO!

I bought this as a present for a friend, so I haven't unwrapped it. However, I did listen to a sample before buying it. This gentleman has a very fine voice and a learned and sensitive style of performance. Anyone who is interested in great singing will like this album. It is also very encouraging to me to find that Black men are becoming a presence in classical singing.