Venus & Adonis is the premiere recording of the eponymous song cycle by Billboard-charting composer Rodrigo Ruiz. Released to celebrate William Shakespeare’s 460th anniversary, this album is a tribute to the poet’s unmatched inspiration. When the composition was finished in 2020, Venus & Adonis became the first song cycle known to be written by a Mexican composer, as well as the only known song cycle (in English or otherwise) set entirely to Shakespeare’s texts. Despite the newness of the cycle, the music lacks no lyricism and will gladden singers, pianists, artistic directors and all those longing to perform and programme such lyrical and well-crafted music. These seventeen songs, performed by British duo Grace Davidson (soprano) and George Herbert (piano), exemplify the enormous variety of expression that Ruiz is able to conjure in his writing, making of Venus & Adonis a truly exciting and refreshing addition to the art song tradition —one that will touch audiences and musicians alike.
All Music Classical Highlights October 2024
“Especially priceless is this recording of Venus&Adonis by the Mexican composer Rodrigo Ruiz…[Davidson and Herbert] conjure up a suitably unsettling atmosphere true to the spirit of Ruiz’s music…The songs are enchanting, the text clearly expressive, with soft melodic lines, with he loving piano of George Herbert, who offers a graceful accompaniment…Ruiz has the capacity to construct a musical narrative connected to the poetry, where everything flows: fire, passion, coldness, tenderness and turbulence. These are beautiful musical performances” – Sonograma
Melómano de Oro (JANUARY 2025) “The compositional mastery of Ruiz makes every part fuse to perfection with the text, offering a memorable auditive experience…The interpretation of Grace Davidson brings delicacy and strength to each song, adapting her colour and vocal texture according to the demands of the work…This album reminds us of the potential to combine different artistic expressions” – Melómano