Bryn Terfel's 2005 album, Simple Gifts, is a masterful collection of timeless classics and heartfelt ballads. This captivating release showcases the renowned Welsh bass-baritone's incredible vocal range and emotional depth.
With a diverse tracklist that spans from traditional American folk songs, such as 'Shenandoah' and 'Swing Low, Sweet Chariot', to iconic opera pieces like 'The Toreador Song' from Carmen and 'Au fond du temple Saint' from The Pearl Fishers, Bryn Terfel's impressive vocal prowess is on full display. The album also features beautiful renditions of beloved hymns, including 'The Lord is My Shepherd' and 'Abide with Me', as well as poignant performances of 'Danny Boy' and 'Amazing Grace'.
Released on the esteemed Deutsche Grammophon label, Simple Gifts is a testament to Bryn Terfel's ability to effortlessly navigate a wide range of genres, from opera and classical to choral and requiem. With a duration of one hour and 55 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of musical delights, carefully curated to showcase the artist's remarkable vocal talent.
Throughout the album, Bryn Terfel's powerful, expressive voice brings each song to life, conjuring emotions and painting vivid pictures with every note. Whether he is performing a stirring opera duet or a soulful folk melody, his passion and dedication to his craft shine through. Simple Gifts is a must-listen for fans of classical music and opera, and a wonderful introduction to the artistry of Bryn Terfel for newcomers.
Carmen / Act II: Toreador Song: "Votre toast, je peux vous le rendre" (from Carmen / Act 2)Georges Bizet, Barry Wordsworth, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra
American Traditional: ShenandoahTraditional, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, Neil Martin
Bugeilio'r Gwenith GwynTraditional, Will Hopcyn, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, Catrin Finch
Les pêcheurs de perles, WD 13: The Pearl Fishers' duet: C'était le soir - Au fond du temple SaintGeorges Bizet, Andrea Bocelli, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
The Lord is My ShepherdHoward Goodall, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Danny Boy (Traditional) Irish tune from County Derry - arr.: Chris HazellAnonymous, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Bella Notte (from the film Lady and the Tramp)Peggy Lee, Sonny Burke, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Dvorák: Goin' HomeAntonín Dvořák, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Swing Low, Sweet ChariotAnonymous, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Home Sweet HomeHenry Rowley Bishop, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Ave Maria (Ellens Gesang III)Franz Schubert, Bryn Terfel, Sissel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices
Il mio cuore va (Love theme from the film Titanic)James Horner, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, Neil Martin
Old American Songs Set 2 - Voice and orchestra (1958): At the River (from Old American Songs, Set No.2)Traditional, Aaron Copland, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
None but the Lonely Heart, Op. 6, No. 6 (Nyet, tolko tot, kto znal)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
If I Can Help SomebodyAlma Bazel Androzzo, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
WiegenliedJohannes Brahms, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Abide with MeWilliam Henry Monk, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
LazybonesHoagy Carmichael, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, Martin Taylor
The Man of La Mancha: The Impossible DreamMitch Leigh, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Plaisir d'amourJean-Paul-Égide Martini, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
GranadaAgustín Lara, Bryn Terfel, Barry Wordsworth, London Symphony Orchestra
God Bless The ChildBillie Holiday, Arthur Herzog Jr., Bryn Terfel, Martin Taylor
Amazing GraceTraditionnel, Bryn Terfel
Tua Bethlehem derfEdward Arthur, Bryn Terfel, The Mormon Tabernacle Orchestra, Craig Jessop, The Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square
Adeste Fideles (O come, all ye faithful)John Francis Wade, Bryn Terfel, Craig Jessop, The Mormon Tabernacle Orchestra
Die Walküre, WWV 86B, Act III: Leb wohl ... Loge hör! "Wotan's Farewell and Magic Fire Music"Richard Wagner, Bryn Terfel, Berliner Philharmoniker, Claudio Abbado
Sir Bryn Terfel, the acclaimed Welsh bass-baritone, is renowned for his powerful and versatile performances in opera and concert halls worldwide. Born in rural North Wales in 1965, Terfel's musical journey began at a young age, singing onstage at Eisteddfodau by the age of four. He studied at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama with notable teachers Arthur Reckless and Rudolf Piernay, honing his craft to become one of the most celebrated singers of his generation.
Terfel's repertoire spans the works of Mozart, Puccini, Wagner, and Strauss, showcasing his ability to tackle both lighter and heavier roles with equal mastery. His discography is extensive, featuring over 15 solo albums and award-winning opera recordings. Among his many accolades, Terfel has been knighted, received the Queen's Medal for Music, and was named an Austrian Kammersänger.
On stage, Terfel is not just admired for his stunning voice but also for his exceptional acting skills, bringing depth and clarity to every role he plays. Whether performing at prestigious venues or returning to his Welsh roots, Sir Bryn Terfel continues to captivate audiences with his extraordinary talent and charismatic presence.
Vinylscout
Bryn Terfel
