Gramophone Magazine
Awards Issue 2025
Editor's Choice

Joseph Middleton (piano), Mary Bevan (soprano)

Ravel: 2 Mélodies hébraïques, M. A22: No. 1, Kaddisch. Lent
Chausson: 7 Mélodies, Op. 2: No. 6, Hébé
Schubert: Nachtstück, D672 (Mayrhofer)
Schubert: Auflösung, D807
Schubert: Die junge Nonne, D828
Purcell: An Evening Hymn, Z. 193 (Arr. for Soprano and Piano by Benjamin Britten)
Bridge: Come to Me in my Dreams
Fauré: 3 Mélodies, Op. 7: No. 1, Après un rêve
Schumann, Clara: Die gute Nacht, die ich dir sage
Brahms: 4 Ernste Gesänge, Op. 121: No. 3, O Tod, wie bitter bist du. Grave
Errolyn Wallen: Peace on Earth
Schumann: 6 Gedichte von N. Lenau und Requiem, Op. 90: No. 7, Requiem
Landry, J: Amour comme un oiseau captif: No. 8, Mort quand tu me viendras prendre
Viardot-Garcia: Lamento, VWV. 1139
Vaughan Williams: 4 Last Songs: No. 3, Tired
Grieg: 6 Lieder, Op. 48: No. 2, Dereinst, Gedanke mein. Molto Andante
Barber: Hermit Songs, Op. 29: No. 10, The Desire for Hermitage
Mahler: Rückert-Lieder: No. 4, Ich bin der Welt abhanden gekommen
Strauss, R: 4 Lieder, Op. 27, TrV 170: No. 4, Morgen!

Mary Bevan and Joseph Middleton’s new album Elegy grew out of their recital programme From Earth to Heaven, conceived during a time of deep personal loss. Shaped by Bevan’s experience of grieving her father, the recital explores the mystery of death and the solace music can offer. Featuring works by Schubert, Fauré, Mahler, Jeanne Landry, Errollyn Wallen, and Pauline Viardot amongst others, Elegy is a poignant journey through mourning and transcendence. Their previous album Voyages was shortlisted for a Gramophone Award, and the duo’s recitals across Europe have been met with widespread critical acclaim.

"he overriding impression is one of contained, understated sincerity...It's well nigh faultless, the whole thing, and the most moving recital I've heard for some time." - Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2025