Music Review : Walker-McClish Recital in Westwood

When two singers of unequal experience and at different stages of vocal health perform together, they are bound to underline each other’s credits and debits.

Last heard locally at a concert by well-known Occidental College music alumni four years ago, tenor Mallory Walker turned up again Sunday in a joint recital with baritone Michael McClish.

In the sanctuary at Westwood United Methodist Church, Walker, who has earned numerous European and North American credits over the years--including several seasons at the Metropolitan Opera--offered, with McClish, a mixed program ending with two operatic duets.

Now 56, Walker has no trouble eliciting the pathos and ardor redolent in Rachmaninoff songs. He sang four of them affectingly, observing the Russian expressive style--not, however, without showing a conspicuous dryness of tone, short breath supply and faltering notes at phrase ends.

Things markedly improved in a Richard Strauss group. With the call to blissful exhilaration in “Liebes Hymnus,” for instance, he was able to get out of crooning mode and locate the healthiest, most vigorous part of his voice with heroic, ringing thrust.

His final solo offering, four Spanish songs by Moreno Torroba, Nacho and Serrano, again found the tenor in spirited form, although lacking the requisite sensuality.

But there was no equality between the two singers. Just as Walker could move into the material with total body involvement, McClish performed with his arms hanging stolidly at his side and little evident expression elsewhere.

And while he brought a declamatory sameness to Poulenc’s “Le Travail du Peintre”--except for the lighter Chagall and Braque entries, which captured his legato facility--his baritone came across as clear-toned, fresh and unforced.

McClish’s best effort, the Cavatina from “Faust,” revealed nicely resonant low notes with an exceptionally pleasing timbre.

Together the singers ventured the Act IV duet from “Boheme” and “Au fond du temple saint” from “Les Pecheurs de Perles”--striking a good blend when both hit the same decibel level. Pianist Maryanne Ivanoff accompanied ably.