Our November Recording of the Month comes from Scottish mezzo-soprano Beth Taylor. The Deeps Have Music explores the many-faceted ocean in songs by Elgar, Schubert and Ethel Smyth, among others (Linn CKD794).

Taylor, a notable finalist in the 2023 BBC Cardiff Singer of the World, has established herself as one of the most exciting singers on the international stage, while her partner here, Hamish Brown, is an increasingly sought-after collaborative pianist. “The sheer loveliness of Taylor’s instrument is what strikes you first. Her dark, richly coloured voice has a full, resonant lower register and a surprisingly secure top,” writes Justine Nguyen. “What distinguishes her is the variety of colour and dynamics she can locate within it. Her close attention to the text gives these performances a sense of immediacy and ‘lived-in-ness’, each vividly characterised.”

The recital opens with an intimate account of My Lagan Love arranged by Hamilton Harty. “There’s a beautiful spoken feel to Taylor’s singing, and both performers bring a shimmering, hushed quality to the piece that feels very special indeed,” Nguyen continues. “The centrepiece is Elgar’s Sea Pictures . . . Taylor brings her full musical intelligence to bear...