Songs Of Travel And Home [Julien van Mellaerts; James Baillieu; Bryony Gibson-Cornish; Sofia Castillo; Raphael Wallfisch] [Champs Hill Records: CHR 164] [Audio CD]

For his debut song disc, baritone Julien Van Mellaerts honours his heritage with a selection of New Zealand, British, and French song, recorded with pianist James Baillieu. “I wanted to share where I feel connected to and explore the idea of home and identity through song. Having grown up knowing I was from many places, I feel a strong connection to the protagonist in Vaughan Williams / R. L. Stevensons Songs of Travel. I am lucky to call so many beautiful places home, and ultimately, thats how we settled on the title, Songs of Travel and Home.’ ? Julien Van Mellaerts. This recording features Gareth Farrs song cycle Ornithological Anecdotes, commissioned by Van Mellaerts, Baillieu and Chamber Music New Zealand. Ornithological Anecdotes sets works by New Zealand’s poet laureate Bill Manhire, and is a window into the imagined lives of New Zealands vibrant native birds. Another highlight is Frank Bridge’s Three songs for medium voice, viola and piano with fellow New Zealander Bryony Gibson-Cornish, framed by two more of Van Mellaertss favourite English songs: Roger Quilter’s Go lovely rose and Now sleeps the crimson petal. Ravel’s exquisite Chansons Madcasses and Don Quichotte Dulcine complete the recording.