Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of opera, choral, and classical music with "Kathleen Battle: Essentials," a captivating collection of timeless arias and songs performed by the incomparable Kathleen Battle. Released on January 24, 2020, under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album spans a rich tapestry of genres and composers, showcasing Battle's extraordinary vocal range and interpretive prowess.
From the tender lullaby "Summertime" from "Porgy and Bess" to the dramatic "Batti, batti, o bel Masetto" from "Don Giovanni," Battle navigates each piece with unparalleled grace and depth. The album features renowned works by composers such as George Frideric Handel, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Franz Schubert, and Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, among others. Accompanied by the Orchestra of St. Luke's and conducted by John Nelson, the performances are brought to life with exquisite orchestration and musicality.
Highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Der Hirt auf dem Felsen" by Schubert, the soothing "Nacht und Träume" by Schubert, and the powerful "Frondi tenere" from Handel's "Serse." The album also includes lesser-known gems like Reynaldo Hahn's "A Chloris" and Franz Schubert's "An die Laute," offering a diverse and enriching listening experience.
With a duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes, "Kathleen Battle: Essentials" is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Whether you're a fan of operatic arias, choral masterpieces, or simply appreciate the beauty of the human voice, this album is sure to delight and inspire.
Roméo et Juliette: Ah, je veux vivre dans ce reveCharles Gounod, Kathleen Battle, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Porgy and Bess: SummertimeGeorge Gershwin, Kathleen Battle, Orchestra of St. Luke's, André Previn
Giulio Cesare in Egitto, HWV 17: E pur cosi - Piangerò la sorte miaGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, Margo Garrett
Manon: Allons, il le faut - Adieu, notre petite tableJules Massenet, Kathleen Battle, Choeurs de l'Opera Bastille, Denis Dubois, Orchestre de l'Opéra National de Paris, Myung-Whun Chung
Don Giovanni, K. 527: No. 12, Batti, batti, o bel MasettoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kathleen Battle, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Oedipus, Z. 583: Music For A WhileHenry Purcell, Kathleen Battle, James Levine
Das Veilchen, K. 476Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kathleen Battle, James Levine
Ridente la calma, K. 152 (After J. Mysliveček)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kathleen Battle, James Levine
L'elisir d'amore: "Benedette queste carte!"Gaetano Donizetti, Kathleen Battle, Dawn Upshaw, Luciano Pavarotti, Metropolitan Opera Chorus, David Stivender, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine
A Midsummer Night's Dream, Incidental Music, Op. 61: No. 3 Song with Chorus "You spotted snakes"Felix Mendelssohn, Kathleen Battle, Frederica von Stade, Judi Dench, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Seiji Ozawa, Tanglewood Festival Chorus, John Oliver
Porgy and Bess: I loves you, PorgyGeorge Gershwin, Kathleen Battle, Orchestra of St. Luke's, André Previn
La traviata: "Signora...Che t'accadde...Parigi, o cara"Giuseppe Verdi, Kathleen Battle, Margaret Jane Wray, Plácido Domingo, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, James Levine, Max Epstein
Joshua, HWV 64, Pt. 3: No. 63, Oh, had I Jubal's lyreGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, James Levine
Der Hirt auf dem Felsen, D. 965Franz Schubert, Kathleen Battle, James Levine, Karl Leister
Kathleen Battle, the acclaimed American operatic soprano, is renowned for her distinctive vocal range and tone, captivating audiences worldwide with her unique artistry. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Battle's journey began with concert performances in the 1970s, leading to her opera debut in 1975. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, she expanded her repertoire to include both lyric and coloratura soprano roles, earning five Grammy Awards and becoming one of the finest coloratura sopranos of her time. Known for her enchanting performances of sweet, serene, and ecstatic music, Battle's voice is often described as light, high, and airy, with a childlike readiness that mesmerizes audiences. Despite her dismissal from the Metropolitan Opera in 1994, Battle has continued to inspire and mentor young singers, returning to the Met stage in 2016 and 2024 for memorable performances. Her discography spans opera, choral, and classical genres, showcasing her remarkable talent and enduring legacy.
Vinylscout
Kathleen Battle
