This is a very honest and thoughtfully presented disc and if, despite Malcolm Martineau's superior playing, I cannot give it five stars, that is almost entirely owing to an occasional dryness in Thomas Olieman's tone and to the old problem of this repertoire being treacherous ground for the non-Francophone singer.

These songs, with their pastel shadings, Symbolist images and concise language, are challenging, but Oliemans achieves a superb blend of richness, refinement and mystery, warmth and objectivity.
His is a highly attractive voice that we will hopefully hear more of in the future.