It’s been a while since we’ve had a debut disc as engaging as this. Born in Istanbul, raised in Vienna, Ilker Arcayürek has the kind of airy, easily ringing tenor that puts across words beautifully, with power in reserve yet a hint of vulnerability too. Comparisons to Ian Bostridge are entirely appropriate, except that his poise will appeal to those who find Bostridge too fussy.
The theme of his all-Schubert programme is solitude, but not only the undesired kind: the recluse of the title song is all good-humoured contentment; in Der Musensohn, Arcayürek’s swinging mini-crescendos and Simon Lepper’s skipping piano make solitary wandering sound like fun. But as the selection goes on, loneliness begins to bite, until resignation takes over. With Lepper offering consistently vivid support, Arcayurek spins long lines that are achingly sweet. There’s room for these interpretations to mature and deepen, but as a young man’s take they are wonderfully finished.
