"Anna Leese is in superb voice throughout. We first hear her in one of the earlier German songs, 'Mother's belated arrival.' Leese uses her significant interpretative abilities to bring this drama in miniature to life. Generally, I found Peter Lodahl's performances to be rather bland and lacking in character and colour when compared against Leese's. The pianist on this recording is Alisdair Hogarth and he does a fine job of Haydn’s detailed piano parts. This disc is clearly a welcome addition to the catalogue and followers of Anna Leese’s blossoming international career will not want to be without it." Dianne James, Radio New Zealand Concert - http://www.radionz.co.nz/concert/programmes/pressingon/31_may_-and-_5_june_2009

I have to be honest, I am a Fan of baritone Alfredo Daza, ever since I heard him sing in Mexico (country where I moved into and lived there till 2004) and his voice now is just amazing! very good idea this album, beautiful singing from both of them! Thanks for this fantastic recording, surprised you have not got a prize for it yet!

An outstanding recording of high artistic quality. The only minus would be that one could wish more duets with the two singers. Anna Leese is a new name to me- but what a great one. Peter Lodahl I have followed with big pleasure during the last 3 years at The Komische Oper in Berlin. Two very promising careers to keep an eye on. The booklet is very modern for a classical recording- My compliments for the product!

"These arias require certain qualities of the tenor voice — brilliance, ardor in the tone and security on top. Kim meets these requirements... If he has the same verve onstage as he exhibits in this recital, Kim will be an interesting singer to watch as he develops." Drew Minter Opera News

"South Korean tenor Wookyung Kim may have a face like a porcelain doll, but he has a voice to shatter concrete. This CD comprises opera arias to words by well-known poets, and the variety of arias enables him to show his voice to full advantage. The accompaniment comes from a classical chamber ensemble from Berlin's Deutsche Oper, and if Verdi didn't intend to have his arias sung with this simplified accompaniment, it certainly lets you hear Kim, who never places a wrong note or gives less than a highly attractive – often stunningly perfect – performance. A best buy." Alexander Bryce Scotland on Sunday

"Anna Leese's performances of a splendid selection of Haydn's song repertoire are outstanding. In 'The Wanderer', 'Der Gleichsinn' and 'Fidelity', she sings with a flair and brilliance that matches the great interpreters of the past. The nineteen tracks are well chosen and show both Haydn's frivolity and his more reflective side, and with excellent accompaniment from Alisdair Hogarth and crystal-clear sound, life is indeed a dream, as the CD title suggests." Dominic McHugh www.musicalcriticism.com

Fantastic, great performance from a rising star

Rimsky Korsakov has always been one of my favorite composers and these songs are all new to me. How exciting to hear new artists in new repertoire. Your label deserves congratulations for the risks you are taking. Thank you

Reuter is new to me and very anxious to hear more of this artist. I do like that he is not in the classic Verdi mold but is willing to risk doing something new in his repertoire. Looking forward to getting his new Lieder CD

The above review echoes my sentiments exactly.

Superb recording of a collection of rarely recorded Verdi arias. Johan Reuter's voice is secure and is strongly articulated which is appropirate for each of these works. The resonance and timbre of his voice is resolute as he delivers a classic Verdi interpretation. The Kammerensemble plays with great sensitivity and only adds to the exquisite experience of hearing this wonderful bass baritorne with a small chamber orchestra. Kudoes to the lable for a commitment to unfamiliar territory.

This recording is a combination of western and oriental concepts. The exotic beauty of the Korean language is framed by the recital form. Kim's voice is exquisite. His feelings for the lyrics brings forth the intrinsic meaning of each of the songs. The timbre of his voice fits these songs to perfection. His top feels very secure and seems to come with ease. This CD thoughtfully includes translations of the songs however one needs only to listen to his voice to understand their meaning.