Hvorostovsky sings [the Tchaikovsky songs] with passionate expression...Hvorostovsky's elegant approach makes a good case for hearing more [Taneyev]...against the original piano accompaniment [of the Mussorgsky] his command is absolute...with Ivari Ilja's spirited playing, this is one of the finest performances I've heard

Hvorostovsky was born to sing these songs...he brings to his interpretations a new richness and darkness of timbre, beautifully polished as it always was but enhanced with an even deeper understanding of how to project the subtleties of Mussorgsky's vocal writing...This is a top-choice version of the Songs and Dances of Death and it is rendered even more valuable through being set in the context of equally persuasive performances of Tchaikovsky and Taneyev.

Hvorostovsky has retained his magnificent dark-tinted baritone in wonderful shape.... It could also be argued that his interpretations are even deeper than before but again this is marginal - he was a deep-probing singer also in his relative youth...A disc not only for lovers of Russian music.

A mesmerising performance of Mussorgsky's song cycle, with some formidably chilling singing from baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky, accompanied by pianist Ivari Ilja.

Time has preserved his instrument remarkably well; his baritone retains its burnt umber colouring and his almost legendary ability to spin out long phrases on a single breath is still there...Hvorostovsky fans need not hesitate for an instant, but anyone interested in Russian song will want to investigate this inventively programmed, and stylishly performed, recital.