This attractive collection of largely Neapolitan songs is given bracing treatment by the talented Señor Flórez. The great Italian song writer, Tosti is represented by Marechiare and Leoncavallo (of Pagliacci fame) by the popular Mattinata. Apparently, this song was the first ever commissioned by HMV way back in 1904. Also by Tosti is the ravishing L’alba Separa dalla Luce l’Ombra, (Dawn separates light from shade) which Flórez sings with utter commitment.

In the more demanding material, such as Rossini’s Bolero, he shines brightly, his heroic style ideally suited to the music. He then tosses off La Danza with equal aplomb. His interpretation of that old pot-boiler, Volare, is the finest I have ever heard. Simply exhilarating. It is worth noting here that the singer’s diction is impeccable, making the song sound freshly minted.

Less well known is Ernesto De Curtis’ Non ti Scordar di Me (Don’t Forget Me), Musica Proibita by Gastaldon and Vaghissima Sembianza (Vaguest appearance) by Stefano Donaudy. Finally, O Sole Mio finishes the concert. There is not a great deal one can do with this warhorse,
but Flórez does it well.

This is a splendid recording, and the accompaniments by the Filarmonica Gioachino Rossini under Carlo Tenan are excellent....