Grace Bumbry, a singer renowned for her radiant charisma, expansive vocal range, and superstar glamour, takes center stage in this captivating collection of opera arias and art songs. Released on October 21, 2016, under the Jube Classic label, "Singers of the Century" showcases Bumbry's extraordinary talent and versatility, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes. This album is a testament to her groundbreaking career, as she became one of the first African American singers to achieve international acclaim.
The album features a diverse repertoire, including iconic opera arias such as "Che farò senza Eurydice" from Gluck's "Orphée et Eurydice," "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" from Saint-Saëns' "Samson et Dalila," and the famous "Habanera" from Bizet's "Carmen." Bumbry's powerful and expressive voice breathes new life into these timeless pieces, demonstrating her mastery of the operatic repertoire.
In addition to her operatic prowess, Bumbry's art song interpretations are equally compelling. The album includes works by renowned composers such as Franz Schubert, Richard Strauss, and Hugo Wolf, showcasing her ability to convey deep emotional resonance and technical virtuosity. Highlights include "An die Musik" by Schubert, "Sehnsucht" by Strauss, and "Der Doppelgänger" from Schubert's "Schwanengesang."
"Singers of the Century" is not just a collection of songs but a celebration of Grace Bumbry's enduring legacy in the world of classical music. Her performances are marked by a unique blend of passion, elegance, and technical brilliance, making this album a treasure trove for both opera enthusiasts and those discovering her artistry for the first time.
2016 Jube Classic2016 Jube Classic
Tracks
Orphée et Eurydice: Che farò senza EurydiceChristoph Willibald Gluck, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Orphée et Eurydice: Che puro cielChristoph Willibald Gluck, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Samson et Dalila, Op. 47: Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voixCamille Saint-Saëns, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Sapho: O ma lyre immortelleCharles Gounod, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
The Maid of Orleans, Op. 4: Oui, Dieu le veut! - Adieu, forêtsPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin
Carmen, WD 31: Seguidilla. Près des ramparts de SévilleGeorges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin
Carmen, WD 31: Habanera. L'amour est un oiseau rebelleGeorges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Carmen, WD 31: En vain pour éviterGeorges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Cavalleria rusticana: Voi lo sapetePietro Mascagni, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Un ballo in maschera: Re dell'abisso, affrettati, precipita per l'etraGiuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
Don Carlo: O don fataleGiuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Radio Orchestra Berlin, Kulka János
8 Gedichte aus Letzte Blätter, Op. 10, TrV 141: No. 1, ZueignungRichard Strauss, Grace Bumbry, Erik Werba