Dive into the enchanting world of opera with the timeless recordings of the renowned contralto, Dame Clara Butt. Released on May 7, 2013, under the Symposium label, this album is a captivating journey through a collection of iconic arias and songs that showcase Butt's extraordinary vocal prowess and emotional depth.
Spanning a rich tapestry of compositions, the album features works by Handel, Gounod, Elgar, and Dvořák, among others. From the hauntingly beautiful "Ombra mai fu" from Handel's "Serse" to the stirring "Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix" from Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila," each track is a testament to Butt's ability to convey the essence of each character and story.
The album also includes a selection of sacred and patriotic pieces, such as "The Dream of Gerontius" by Elgar and "Have you news of my boy Jack?" by Ivor Gurney, demonstrating Butt's versatility and the breadth of her repertoire. Her rendition of "Where Corals Lie" from Elgar's "Sea Pictures" is particularly noteworthy, showcasing her ability to blend technical precision with heartfelt expression.
With a duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the art of opera and a delightful exploration of the golden age of classical music. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Dame Clara Butt's extraordinary voice and the timeless beauty of these compositions are sure to captivate and inspire.
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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