Finley has the measure of his hero from ‘Halt’, the third song in the cycle. His bright heroic tone, the febrile sense of excitement as he follows the brook to the mill hints at the mind that is already loose on its hinges...Drake and Finley are hand in voice throughout the cycle, yet always understanding that either partner may sing their own song...A magnificent recording.

For a sample of Finley’s art in miniature, just listen to the sixth and seventh songs, “Die Neugierige” and “Ungeduld,” for the range of reflection and emotions he uncovers and articulates so splendidly. His longtime accompanist Drake provides able support, and the two are utterly simpatico throughout...this version ranks at the summit with the very best.

As with the previous releases in this leisurely series, Finley makes the music compellingly his own: with his Rolls-Royce bass-baritone on smooth, luxurious form throughout, there’s no sense of him trying to capture the youthfulness of the Miller boy.

Gerald Finley is in supremely elevated voice, richly coloured and varied... He [Drake] brilliantly crafts his emphatic, exactingly layered symphonic commentary, digging deep into texture, bass lines, harmony, dynamics and timbre... one could not ask for duo storytelling of greater inspiration.