Dive into the timeless artistry of Dame Clara Butt with her captivating album, a collection of operatic masterpieces that showcase her extraordinary vocal prowess. Released on May 7, 2013, under the Symposium label, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres within the operatic tradition, offering a journey through both well-known arias and lesser-known gems.
The album opens with a selection from Handel's operas, including the enchanting "Ombra mai fu" from "Serse," a piece that has become synonymous with Butt's legacy. It continues with a variety of works, each demonstrating her versatility and emotional depth. From the dramatic intensity of "O don fatal et deteste" from Verdi's "Don Carlos" to the serene beauty of "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" from Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila," Butt's performances are nothing short of breathtaking.
The album also features a selection of songs in English, including the hauntingly beautiful "Have you news of my boy Jack?" and the poignant "The tears That night." These pieces offer a glimpse into Butt's ability to convey deep emotion and storytelling through her voice.
Complementing these are works by Dvořák, including the moving "10 Biblical Songs," which showcase her ability to infuse each piece with a sense of reverence and devotion. The album concludes with a selection of traditional and folk-inspired pieces, such as "The Fairy Pipers" and "A Fairy Went a-Marketing," adding a touch of whimsy and charm to the collection.
With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a testament to Clara Butt's enduring legacy as one of the most celebrated sopranos of her time. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that highlights the timeless beauty of classical vocal music.
2013 Symposium2013 Symposium
Tracks
Alessandro, HWV 21, Act I: Lusinghe più careGeorge Frideric Handel, Clara Butt
Sosarme, re di Media, HWV 30, Act I: Rasserena, o madre … Rend'il sereno al ciglioGeorge Frideric Handel, Clara Butt, Sir Henry Wood
Serse, HWV 40, Serse (Xerxes), HWV 40, Act I: Ombra mai fu, "Largo"George Frideric Handel, Clara Butt, Sir Henry Wood
Lucrezia Borgia, Act II: Il segreto per esser feliciGaetano Donizetti, Clara Butt
La favorita, Act III: O mio FernandoGaetano Donizetti, Clara Butt, Sir Henry Wood
Don Carlos, Act IV: O don fatal et detesteGiuseppe Verdi, Clara Butt
Faust: Faust: When all was young (Sung in English) [Sung in English]Charles Gounod, Clara Butt, Sir Henry Wood
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voixCamille Saint-Saëns, Clara Butt, Sir Henry Wood
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: My work Is done, my task Is o'er (Version without chorus)Edward Elgar, Clara Butt, Maurice D'Oisly, Sir Henry Wood
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: I see not those false spirits (Version without chorus)Edward Elgar, Clara Butt, Maurice D'Oisly, Sir Henry Wood
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: We now have passed the gate (Version without chorus)Edward Elgar, Clara Butt, Maurice D'Oisly, Sir Henry Wood
The Dream of Gerontius, Op. 38: Softly and gently (Version without chorus)Edward Elgar, Clara Butt, Maurice D'Oisly, Sir Henry Wood
Sea Pictures, Op. 37: No. 4, Where Corals LieEdward Elgar, Clara Butt
A youth once loved a maidenMaude Valerie White, Clara Butt, Harold Craxton
The tears That nightMaude Valerie White, Clara Butt, Harold Craxton
In questa tomba oscura, WoO 133Ludwig van Beethoven, Clara Butt, Hamilton Harty Orchestra, Hamilton Harty
Have you news of my boy Jack?Edward German, Clara Butt, Sir Thomas Beecham
10 Biblical Songs, Op. 99, B. 185: No. 1, Oblak a mrakota jest vukol Neho (Clouds and Darkness)Antonín Dvořák, Clara Butt, Studio pianist, Studio organist
10 Biblical Songs, Op. 99, B. 185: No. 2, Skryse ma a paveza ma Ty jsi (Thou art my hiding-place)Antonín Dvořák, Clara Butt, Studio pianist, Studio organist
10 Biblical Songs, Op. 99, B. 185: No. 3, Slys, o Boze, slys modlitbu mou (Give ear to my prayer)Antonín Dvořák, Clara Butt, Studio pianist, Studio organist
10 Biblical Songs, Op. 99, B. 185: No. 4, Hospodin jest muj pastyr (the Lord Is my shepherd)Antonín Dvořák, Clara Butt, Studio pianist, Studio organist
The Fairy PipersAlfred Herbert Brewer, Clara Butt, Anonymous
A Fairy Went a-MarketingArthur M. Goodhart, Clara Butt
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