THE GREAT POETS: ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON

There’s no need to dip into the lesser works in a collection of Tennyson, and Naxos has made a fine selection here, mixing the best known ("The Charge of the Light Brigade," "The Lady of Shalott," "Ulysses," "The Lotus-Eaters") with others that will be less familiar to casual readers. One might quibble with some of Michael Pennington's line readings, but he has made thoughtful interpretations, and his voice is quite capable of meeting the musical demands of the poetry. There’s nothing new here for Tennyson's fans, but the presentation is a strong introduction to a master's range of style and emotion. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: JANUARY 2010]