The score is exquisitely wrought, with a shimmering, sumptuously dissonant harmonic palette strongly reminiscent of Schreker – and the cast of four plus nine-piece ensemble perform it with seductive intensity under conductor Robert Kahn...Yet the line between erotic malaise and dramatic inertia is a fine one, and the gothic horror has a sadistic edge that proves uncomfortable.

As the Elf, Samantha Hankey is easily the best feature of the recording. Marvellously empathetic, and with a verbal articulation that is quite exemplary, she marshals her sumptuous mezzo-soprano to deliver real power without any sacrifice of vocal quality.