** “THE DARK IS MY DELIGHT” Brian Asawa, countertenor; David Tayler, lute. (BMG/RCA Victor Red Seal)
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Asawa sings pieces by John Dowland, Thomas Campion and other unidentified 16th century composers--23 items in all--with a most handsome tone and a strong sense of musical continuity.
Despite sensitive partnering from lutenist Tayler, however, the program lacks contrasts, the fault lying with Asawa’s mostly humorless, uncolored readings. If he is being subtle, he is burying the musical materials in facelessness. What is needed is more passion and many more details.
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Recordings are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).
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