Two distinguished soloists – soprano, Suzanne Danco and tenor, Robert Tear – contribute to this disc of Schubert songs. Both of the composer's 'obbligato' songs (Der Hirt auf dem Felsen and Auf dem Strom) are included, as are five of Schubert's most popular Lieder in recordings by Danco previously unreleased on CD but at the centre of this recital is a selection of Schubert's Partsongs. Their origins lie in the vital demand for this kind of music in the context of the social life of Vienna during the composer's lifetime.

'This disc most delightfully extends the small number of Schubert's part-songs that has been recorded and these beautifully sung performances, very well recorded, capture the intimate spirit of music written primarily for friendly gatherings […] Robert Tear sings his part with lovely tone […] A contralto solo part woven into Ständchen is beautifully sung by Helen Watts […] this lovely disc gave me intense pleasure' - [Partsongs] Gramophone

'Der Hirt auf dem Felsen is marvellously clean and instrumental in execution' - [Danco] Gramophone

Franz Scubert (1797-1828)
[01] Gebet, D.815  
[02] Nachthelle, D.892
[03] Gott in der Natur, D.757                   
[04] Jünglingswonne, D.983                   
[05] Ständchen, D.920                   
[06] Gondelfahrer, D.809                   
[07] Gott meine Zuversicht, D.706 (Psalm 23)               
[08] Gott in Ungewitter, D.985                   
[09] Chor der Engel ‘Christ ist erstanden’, D.440

April Cantelo, soprano [01]
Shirley Minty, contraltro [01]
Ian Partridge, tenor [01]
Christopher Keyte, bass [01]
Robert Tear, tenor [02]
Helen Watts, contralto [03-05]
Elizabethan Singers
Viola Tunnard, piano
Louis Halsey, conductor

[10] Auf dem Strom, D.943               

Robert Tear, tenor
Neill Sanders, horn
Lamar Crowson, piano

[11] Der Hirt auf dem Felsen, D.965                   
[12] Die Forelle, D.550                   
[13] Gretchen am Spinnrade, D.118                   
[14] Der Musensohn, D.764                     
[15] Du bist die Ruh, D.776