Fanfare Magazine’s latest issue features a review of the Florentine Opera’s world premiere recording of Carlisle Floyd: Prince of Players:
“The performance is excellent. As Kynaston, baritone Keith Phares sings well, articulates the text clearly, and is very touching in a role that requires a wide dramatic range. Kynaston has a bar fight, two love scenes (one with each gender), and scenes where he portrays a Shakespeare character. Dramatically, Phares seems thoroughly inside the role. Kate Royal sings beautifully as Peg Hughes and is equally convincing dramatically. The rest of the cast is very strong. The recorded sound is very well balanced, as one expects from Reference Records. The Florentine Opera Chorus and Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra perform their roles proficiently. … This release will be of interest to those who care about American opera. Prince of Players is valuable as an example of an important composer who has been active for six decades.”
—Henry Fogel