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“Sampson adores these songs, caressing the text with her beautiful, pure soprano, particularly those that dwell on the correlation between nature and the emotions. Her partnership with Middleton is inspired, his intelligence always evident.” - The Guardian “The discovery of the disc are the songs by ‘Poldowski’ – a pseudonym for Régine Wieniawski…her songs prove nothing short of fabulous: warm, energetic and melodic, with a deep-set richness of harmonic language. Sampson’s pure, shining tone matches the finesse of this repertoire and her lower range sometimes has the softness and subtle qualities of a deep flute… Middleton provides a bright cushion of support throughout.” - BBC Music Magazine “[Sampson is] in excellent voice, her tone clear and silvery, her upper registers exquisite: Chausson’s ‘Apasiement’ sends shivers down your spine with its floated high pianissimos and suggestive portamentos…Middleton’s playing is marvellously fresh throughout, the thin dividing line between wit and melancholy superbly negotiated.” - Gramophone “A garland of roses to everyone concerned.” - MusicWeb International Comprising settings of the work of symbolist poet Paul Verlaine, this unexpected collection of songs by some of the most famous composers of fin de siècle France, including Debussy, Fauré, and Ravel, is sumptuously performed by soprano Carolyn Sampson and pianist Joseph Middleton.