Experience the power and elegance of Grace Bumbry's extraordinary vocal prowess with "Grace Bumbry singt Opern-Arien," a timeless collection of operatic arias released in 1962. This album showcases Bumbry's versatility and mastery as one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, featuring a selection of beloved arias that highlight her exceptional range and expressive depth.
The album opens with a captivating performance of "Che farò senza Euridice?" from Gluck's "Orpheus and Eurydice," setting the stage for a journey through some of the most iconic operatic works. Bumbry's rendition of "Che puro ciel!" from the same opera is a testament to her ability to convey both vulnerability and strength. The album also includes arias from Verdi's "Don Carlo," such as "O don fatale, o don crudel," and "Re dell'abisso affrettati" from "A Masked Ball," demonstrating her command of the dramatic repertoire.
Bumbry's interpretation of "Voi lo sapete, o mamma" from Mascagni's "Cavalleria rusticana" is particularly poignant, showcasing her ability to infuse each note with profound emotion. The album also features arias from Bizet's "Carmen," including the famous "Habanera" and "Seguidilla," as well as the enchanting "Carreau, pique..." from the Cards Aria. Bumbry's performance of "Ô ma lyre immortelle" from Gounod's "Sapho" and "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" from Saint-Saëns' "Samson and Delilah" further underscores her versatility and artistic depth.
Accompanied by the Radio-Symphonie-Orchester Berlin and conducted by János Kulka, this album captures the essence of Bumbry's artistry in a way that is both intimate and grand. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Grace Bumbry singt Opern-Arien" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album's 45-minute duration is filled with moments of pure vocal brilliance, making it a cherished addition to any classical music collection.
Orpheus and Eurydice, Act III, Scene 1: "Che farò senza Euridice?" (Orfeo)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Orpheus and Eurydice, Act II, Scene 3: "Che puro ciel!" (Orfeo)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Don Carlo, Act III, Pt. 1, Scene 6: "O don fatale, o don crudel" (Eboli)Giuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
A Masked Ball, Act I, Scene 6: "Re dell'abisso affrettati" (Ulrica)Giuseppe Verdi, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Cavalleria rusticana, Scene 4: Romance. "Voi lo sapete, o mamma" (Santuzza)Pietro Mascagni, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Carmen, Act I, Scene 5: Habanera. "L'amour est un oiseau rebelle" (Carmen)Georges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Carmen, Act I, Scene 10: Seguidilla. "Près des remparts de Séville" (Carmen)Georges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Carmen, Act III, Scene 2: "Carreau, pique..." - Cards Aria. "En vain, pour éviter les réponses amères" (Carmen)Georges Bizet, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Sapho, Act III: Stanzas. "Ô ma lyre immortelle" (Sapho)Charles Gounod, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
Samson and Delilah, Op. 47, Act II, Scene 3: "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" (Delilah)Camille Saint-Saëns, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
The Maid of Orleans, Act I: "Oui, Dieu la veut" (Joan)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János
The Maid of Orleans, Act I: "Adieu forêts" (Joan)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Grace Bumbry, Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester Berlin, Kulka János