“…The fluidity and agility of her voice, allied to stylish embellishments and a real commitment to the text, combined to make an indelible impression.” – Catherine Bott. Singer and Classic FM presenter.
“This recital of Handel’s ravishing German Arias is a pleasure from first note to last: recorded in an ideally intimate acoustic, with varied, sensitive instrumental accompaniment from the ensemble Florisma. This is unexpected Handel, settings of devotional meditations in his first language: music that lies between the extravagant passion of his Italian operas and the uplifting nobility of his English oratorios. Penelope Appleyard’s voice is perfect for this delicate repertoire, an attractive blend of innocence and worldliness, and she communicates a real sense of joy. Highly recommended.” – Catherine Bott. Singer and Classic FM presenter.
“Penelope Appleyard sings with a lovely flexible tone, combining purity with expressiveness. She is clearly technically adept, but she also brings great charm to the performances. Responding to both text and music, there is little danger here of baroque purity descending into cool boredom; we have fineness of tone combined with vibrant performance. Appleyard is well supported by all the performers, and the way the arias are written means that she and the melody instruments create a series of delightful partnerships. Overall what these performances convey is a real sense of enjoyment in this lovely music.” – Robert Hugill (PlanetHugill.com)
“This recording is a fresh voiced account of these wonderful pieces, full of energy and sparkle, featuring singing of lovely character with some delightful ornamentation. A welcome addition to the catalogue and a notable solo recording debut for this young artist” – David Clegg (Handel: Neun Deutsche Arien)
“What a lovely recording! Beautifully sung” – James Bowman (Handel: Neun Deutsch Arien)
“Thanks again for your most beautiful rendition of Fairest Isle, which was a high point of the concert! Your aplomb, at short notice was astounding.” – Cadogan Hall, 2017
“The lovely soprano voice of Penelope Appleyard” – The Classical Review
“Nulla in Mundo Pax” was so deeply moving, sung brilliantly by Penelope Appleyard…where do you find these wonderful musicians? The translation is “there is no peace in the world.” How wrong can you be after hearing this?” – Review April 2017
“Blessed with a voice of pristine clarity Penelope Appleyard is a stylish interpreter of Renaissance and Baroque music” – Andrew King
“Delightful and masterly singing, ideally suited to the freshness of this wonderful writing” (Vivaldi’s Nulla in Mundo Pax Sincera for the All Saints Singers)
“This is satisfying, memorable and exciting singing” – Robin Bowman
“There was much to enjoy from the soloists, with soprano Penelope Appleyard the standout performer. Appleyard’s pure bell-like tone and evident delight in the music illuminated the scene each time she rose to her feet. She gloried in appropriate stylistic ornamentation in Handel’s Messiah culminating in a thrilling cadenza.” – Darlington & Stockton Times
“In ‘Sweeter than Roses’ and ‘Bonduca’s Song’ Penelope Appleyard displayed a winning match of the plaintive and expertly matched coloratura” – St John’s Smith Square
“A sparkling performance! Immaculate preparation.” Malcolm Pearce – conductor, Oxford University Press Choir (Handel’s Joshua)
“One of the high points of the evening was ‘I know that my redeemer liveth’ sung by Penelope Appleyard; her liquid tones flowing seamlessly out into the church, filling everyone with the message of hope Messiah brings to all. This was sheer beauty and a voice to be savoured by all.” (Review – Messiah, Wetherby)
A gloriously pure tone and exemplary diction” – Wayne Bennett (Review – Haydn’s Creation)
We realised we were in the presence of a true artist. Those magnificent arias helped light us up inside!” – Mike Newton (Review – Messiah)
“A true soprano, pure and clear. Fresh as a daisy!” – Dorset Echo
“The soprano soloists in the Vivaldi Magnificat that opened the second half were notable for their excellent intonation, beautiful phrasing and wonderfully blended sound.” – Western Gazette.
“What a well produced voice Penelope Appleyard has. Rejoice Greatly from Messiah was sung with great control and a wonderful technique. A joy to listen to.” – Western Gazette.
