Grace Bumbry, the legendary mezzo-soprano known for her powerful and versatile voice, leaves an indelible mark on the world of opera with her album "In Memoriam." Released on May 10, 2023, under UME - Global Clearing House, this collection is a testament to her extraordinary talent and enduring legacy. Spanning a mere 53 minutes, the album is a concise yet impactful journey through some of the most celebrated arias in opera history.
The tracklist is a veritable feast for opera enthusiasts, featuring iconic pieces from timeless classics. Grace Bumbry's rendition of "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix" from Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila" showcases her ability to convey deep emotion and passion. Her interpretation of "O don fatale" from Verdi's "Don Carlo" is a masterclass in dramatic intensity, while her performance of "Che farò senza Euridice?" from Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice" highlights her lyrical prowess.
The album also includes lesser-known but equally captivating pieces, such as "Father of Heav'n! from Thy eternal throne" from Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus" and "Adieu, fôrets" from Tchaikovsky's "The Maid Of Orléans." These selections demonstrate Grace Bumbry's versatility and her commitment to showcasing the breadth of her artistry.
"In Memoriam" is not just a collection of arias; it is a celebration of Grace Bumbry's remarkable career and her enduring influence on the world of opera. Whether you are a seasoned opera aficionado or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the power and beauty of the human voice. Grace Bumbry's performances are a reminder of why she is considered one of the greatest singers of all time.
Carmen, WD 31 / Act 1: "Près des remparts de Séville"Georges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Cavalleria rusticana: "Voi lo sapete, o mama" (Romanza)Pietro Mascagni, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63 / Part 3: 53. Aria: "Father of Heav'n! from Thy eternal throne"George Frideric Handel, Grace Bumbry, Utah Symphony Orchestra, Maurice Abravanel
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, R. 288 / Act 2: "Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix"Camille Saint-Saëns, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
The Maid Of Orléans, TH 6 / Act 1: Adieu, fôrets (Joan's Aria)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Don Carlo / Act 4: O don fataleGiuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30 / Act 3: Aria: "Che farò senza Euridice?"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Carmen, WD 31 / Act 1: "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Havanaise)Georges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Aida / Act 1: Ritorna vincitor!Giuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Hans Löwlein
Il Trovatore / Act 2: "Stride la vampa!"Giuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Hans Löwlein
Orfeo ed Euridice, Wq. 30 / Act 2: Arioso: "Che puro ciel, che chiaro sol"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Grace Bumbry, Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Macbeth / Act 2: Aria: "La luce langue"Giuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Orchester der Deutschen Oper Berlin, Hans Löwlein
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