Plans for this recital began as a comparison of the extent to which folk music influenced the music of Ralph Vaughan Williams and that of his contemporary and friend, Percy Grainger.

The album begins with the first complete recording by a woman of Vaughan Williams's cycle of nine songs: Songs of Travel. There is ample historical evidence for women both singing and recording these songs, from Ada Crossley under Sir Henry Wood in 1910 to later singers such as Dame Janet Baker, but the cycle has been a male preserve until now. We are proud to present Kathryn Rudge's pioneering recording, accompanied by the Australian pianist Penelope Thwaites.

Alessandro Fisher sings three songs from Vaughan Williams's operas. We then hear two songs from Vaughan Williams's former pupil, Peggy Glanville-Hicks (another Australian) and two from John Raynor - a composer for whom Vaughan Williams once sponsored a concert, but whose music has not been recorded until now.

Percy Grainger contributes six songs and three duets to conclude the album. The contrasts within this group are remarkable, and you will find pathos, humour, and (in the final, wordless, duet) his love for his native Australia.

Kathryn Rudge studied at RNCM, has won numerous awards and was an ENO Harewood Artist, a YCAT artist and a BBC New Generation Artist. She has featured on many recordings including Parry's Judith with the London Mozart Players (Chandos, 2020).

Alessandro Fisher won First Prize at the 2016 Kathleen Ferrier Awards and was a member of the BBC New Generation Artist Scheme between 2018 and 2021. This is his second recording for Albion Records; the first was ALBCD057 Portraits of a Mind, with William Vann (piano) and the Navarra String Quartet, comprising song cycles by Ian Venables and Ralph Vaughan Williams.

Penelope Thwaites AM grew up in Melbourne, before returning to the UK and making her home in London. She is known internationally as a concert pianist, composer, broadcaster, editor, and festival curator. She read Music at Melbourne University, winning the Ormond Exhibition and graduating first in her final year. Penelope is editor of The New Percy Grainger Companion.