Iestyn Davies and Mark Rylance make a compelling case for music therapy.

A thoroughly modern countertenor, Davies is at home in all sorts of venues, recording studios and theatres.

Steve Davislim's Tito will also be among the highlights to catch the ears of Aussie audiences.

The voice and artistry of Iestyn Davies has always been one of the treats I look forward to when another recording by the King’s Consort comes my way. Here, in a well-deserved accolade we have a disc where we can savour his music making at length – and it does not disappoint. Apart from being a conspectus of Handel’s astonishing dramatic range and technical prowess in the realm of the oratorio, it is also a treasure trove of delights for the alto voice. Whether in the sober piety of O sacred oracles of truth from Belshazzar or the more bellicose Mighty love now calls to arm from Alexander Balus, Davies is totally in command of his material, spinning out beautifully formed musical phrases and displaying his deep love of the English language at every turn. This very well chosen program shows his honeyed tones in a variety of contrasted contexts. Amongst some of the highlights are the uplifting How can I stay when love invites from Esther, and the tender Mortals think that Time is sleeping from The Triumph of Time and Truth. A few well-chosen duets with Carolyn Sampson add to the pleasure. As much as this disc is…

Catching up with the globetrotting countertenor whose chart topping recordings are going off down under. Continue reading Get unlimited digital access from $4 per month Subscribe Already a subscriber? Log in