Thomas Hampson, America's leading baritone, showcases his remarkable versatility and artistry in this captivating 1997 release, "A Portrait of Thomas Hampson." Spanning a diverse repertoire, this album is a testament to Hampson's breadth of achievement in opera and song. The collection features a mix of operatic arias and art songs, demonstrating his technical prowess and emotional depth.
From the dramatic intensity of Verdi's "Don Carlos" to the playful charm of Rossini's "Il barbiere di Siviglia," Hampson's performances are nothing short of extraordinary. The album also includes beloved classics like "Roses of Picardy" and "Beautiful Dreamer," as well as selections from Broadway musicals such as "Kiss Me, Kate" and "Annie Get Your Gun." His collaboration with pianist Geoffrey Parsons adds a layer of nuance and sophistication to each piece.
Recorded with Warner Classics, this album offers a rich and immersive listening experience, lasting approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a casual listener, "A Portrait of Thomas Hampson" is a must-explore collection that highlights the extraordinary talent and range of one of the most celebrated baritones of our time.
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