Forgotten Songs, Forgotten Loves

The reviewers say:
WHOLENOTE:
"...exquisite and delightful rarities. The listener embarks on a journey to the heart of Eastern Europe with musical vignettes by Dvorak, Zemlinsky, Tchaikovsky and Dohnanyi... Ms. Nielsen is well up to the task of clearly evoking the ever-changing landscapes of the countryside and of the human heart. Accompanist Robert Kortgaard's sensitive phrasing serves as a subtle but effective undercurrent to these unique settings. A great CD for those settling back into city life, already feeling a little nostalgic for their summer travels." - Dianne Wells

THE NEW BRUNSWICK READER:
"There are love songs, old tales of nature and romantic legends, words that would have stirred memories and pride at the time of their composition.... The songs were recorded with Ms. Nielsen's frequent collaborator, pianist Robert Kortgaard. It's easy to understand why these live performances were issued on compact disc: it's a near-flawless, intimate set, a showcase for her vocal poise." - Bob Mersereau

THE CHRONICLE HERALD (HALIFAX):
"New Brunswick soprano Wendy Nielsen shows the right stuff in this CD program of love songs and fables... In these sets of trans-century love songs, she shows a rare gift of dramatic and lyrical expressive force, allied to a superb technique that gives every word its due, every note its own weight, and every musical and textual nuance their radiant epiphany." - Stephen Pedersen

NATIONAL POST:
"Nielsen has a big, rich voice, and a heart to match - which is just what this repertoire needs... In the final line [of the Tchaikovsky], Nielsen's voice plummets from its top register to startlingly rich, gut-wrenching low notes that seem to wring all the pain out of the Slavic soul." - Tamara Bernstein

OPUS MAGAZINE:
"Chosen with intelligence and discerning taste, the songs are executed with admirable musicianship... The recorded sound is wonderfully rich, warm and mellow, with the piano, expertly played by Robert Kortgaard, taking on a lovely sheen." - Joseph So

THE EDMONTON JOURNAL:
"Nielsen's range is brought fully into play here... Her voice is clear and full and Kortgaard is a splendid partner." - D.T. Baker

H&B RECORDINGS:
"Soprano Wendy Nielsen is a frequent performer at the Metropolitan Opera, where she has appeared with Bryn Terfel among others. This debut CD features rare, beautiful and under-recorded classical song repertoire about love and loss, showcasing her rich-toned and expressive voice. Wendy Nielsen's name is one that we should all watch out for, but more importantly, her voice is one that we should all listen to."