SUNDAY afternoon's song recital was an opportunity to hear settings of John Drinkwater's poetry, by composer Colin Decio.

A Sabbath Day was a cycle of five songs used to describe the different times of day as five watches.

Ingrid Prosser, a mezzo-soprano with a good low register, was soloist, with Decio accompanying on classical guitar.

Throughout these, there was a suggestion of folk song styles.

Dusk was particularly attractive as singer and accompanist danced along in a skipping rhythm.

Evelyne Beech (soprano) was soloist for Cotswold Songs, with Decio now playing the piano.

In this cycle, the accompaniments were very effective, again showing some imitation of words being sung.

The finest performance came in Cotswold Love, where the pianist's most beautiful introduction continued to mingle lush and interesting textures, the singer lightening up for When April comes.

In conclusion, Venus in Arden painted a picture of Love via jangling rolled chords and a relentless vocal line.

Several of the same poet's poems were read, too.

JILL HOPKINS