Thomas Hampson, the renowned American baritone, invites you into the world of opera with his 1997 album "A Portrait of Thomas Hampson." This captivating collection showcases Hampson's remarkable versatility and artistry, spanning a rich tapestry of operatic arias and songs that highlight his profound musicality and dramatic depth.
The album opens with a powerful rendition of Korngold's "Lied. Mein Sehnen, mein Wähnen" from "Die tote Stadt," setting the stage for a journey through some of the most beloved and challenging works in the operatic repertoire. Hampson's voice shines in Wagner's "O du mein holder Abendstern" from "Tannhäuser," demonstrating his ability to convey both tenderness and intensity. His live performance of Lehár's "O Vaterland" from "The Merry Widow" at the Royal Festival Hall in 1993 adds a dynamic, energetic dimension to the album.
From the haunting beauty of Gounod's "Avant de quitter ces lieux" to the dramatic fervor of Verdi's "Carlos, écoute" from "Don Carlos," Hampson's interpretations are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. His rendition of Rossini's "Largo al factotum" from "Il barbiere di Siviglia" showcases his comedic timing and vocal agility, while his performance of Liszt's "Oh! quand je dors" reveals his sensitivity and nuance.
The album also includes a selection of art songs and Broadway favorites, such as Schumann's "Dichterliebe," Foster's "Beautiful Dreamer," and Menken's "If I Can't Love Her" from "Beauty and the Beast." These pieces highlight Hampson's ability to connect with a wide range of musical styles and genres, making the album a diverse and engaging listening experience.
With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, "A Portrait of Thomas Hampson" is a testament to the artist's enduring talent and his ability to bring depth and meaning to every note. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the artistry of Thomas Hampson.
Tracks
Korngold: Die tote Stadt, Op. 12, Act 2: Lied. "Mein Sehnen, mein Wähnen" (Fritz)Erich Wolfgang Korngold, Thomas Hampson, Munich Radio Orchestra, Fabio Luisi
Wagner: Tannhäuser, Act 3: Die Todesahnung. "O du mein holder Abendstern" (Wolfram)Richard Wagner, Thomas Hampson, Munich Radio Orchestra, Fabio Luisi
Lehár: The Merry Widow, Act 1: Song. "O Vaterland" (Danilo) [Live at Royal Festival Hall, 1993]Franz Lehár, Franz Welser-Möst, Thomas Hampson, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Gounod: Faust, Act 2: Invocation. "Avant de quitter ces lieux" (Valentin)Charles Gounod, Michel Plasson, Thomas Hampson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Massenet: Hérodiade, Act 2: Récitatif. "Ce breuvage pourrait me donner un tel rêve" - Air. "Vision fugitive et toujours poursuivie" (Hérode)Jules Massenet, Michel Plasson, Thomas Hampson, Orchestre Du Capitole De Toulouse
Verdi: Don Carlos, Act 4: Air. "Carlos, écoute" (Rodrigue) [Live]Giuseppe Verdi, Antonio Pappano, Thomas Hampson, Orchestre de Paris
Rossini: Il barbiere di Siviglia, Act 1: Aria. "Largo al factotum" (Figaro)Gioachino Rossini, Sir Roger Norrington, Thomas Hampson, Orchestra of St Luke's
Rossini: Péchés de vieillesse, Vol. 1 "Album italiano": No. 4, L'ultimo ricordo. "Odi di un uom che muore"Gioachino Rossini, Thomas Hampson, Geoffrey Parsons
Liszt: Oh! quand je dors, S. 282Franz Liszt, Thomas Hampson, Geoffrey Parsons
Schumann: Dichterliebe, Op. 48: No. 6, Im Rhein, im heiligen StromeRobert Schumann, Thomas Hampson, Geoffrey Parsons
Schumann: Dichterliebe, Op. 48: No. 7, Ich grolle nichtRobert Schumann, Thomas Hampson, Geoffrey Parsons
Wood: Roses of PicardyHaydn Wood, Thomas Hampson, Armen Guzelimian
Foster: Beautiful DreamerStephen Foster, Thomas Hampson, David Alpher, Jay Ungar, Molly Mason
Weill: Johnny Johnson: "When Man Was First Created" (Johnny)Kurt Weill, Thomas Hampson, London Sinfonietta, John McGlinn
Porter: Du Barry Was a Lady, Act 2: "It Was Written in the Stars" (Alexandre, Chorus)Cole Porter, Thomas Hampson, Ambrosian Chorus, London Symphony Orchestra, John McGlinn
Kern: The Last Time I Saw ParisJerome Kern, Thomas Hampson, London Sinfonietta, John McGlinn
Porter: Kiss Me, Kate, Act 2: "Where Is The Life That Late I Led? (Petruchio)Cole Porter, Thomas Hampson, John McGlinn, London Sinfonietta
Berlin: Annie Get Your Gun, Act 2: Duet. "Anything You Can Do"Irving Berlin, Thomas Hampson, Kim Criswell, John McGlinn, London Sinfonietta
Menken: Beauty and The Beast: "If I Can't Love Her" (The Beast)Alan Menken, Thomas Hampson, Paul Gemignani, American Theatre Orchestra
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