Experience the timeless elegance of Kiri Te Kanawa's voice with her 1984 album, "Ave Maria." This exquisite collection features the renowned soprano's enchanting renditions of beloved sacred and classical pieces, accompanied by the Choir of St. Paul's Cathedral and the English Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Barry Rose. Recorded in the acoustically rich All Saints' Church in Tooting, London, the album captures the purity and depth of Te Kanawa's voice in a setting that complements her extraordinary vocal range.
The album spans a variety of composers and styles, showcasing Te Kanawa's versatility and mastery. From the soothing "Ave Maria" by Schubert to the uplifting "Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring" by Bach, each track is a testament to her ability to convey both technical brilliance and heartfelt expression. Highlights include the ethereal "Panis Angelicus," the powerful "Let The Bright Seraphim" from Handel's "Samson," and the serene "Bist du bei mir" by Bach.
"Ave Maria" is not just a compilation of songs but a journey through some of the most cherished works in classical and sacred music. Whether you are a longtime fan of Kiri Te Kanawa or a newcomer to her artistry, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The meticulous production and the stellar performances make it a standout addition to any classical music collection.
Repentir (O Divine Redeemer), CG 434Charles Gounod, Kiri Te Kanawa, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Vesperae solennes de confessore in C, K.339: 5. Laudate Dominum omnes gentes (Ps. 116/117)Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kiri Te Kanawa, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
"Bist du bei mir", BWV 508Gottfried Heinrich Stölzel, Kiri Te Kanawa, Christopher Bowers-Broadbent, Olga Hegedus
Herz und Mund und Tat und Leben, Cantata BWV 147: Jesu Joy Of Man's DesiringJohann Sebastian Bach, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, Neil Black, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Messe solennelle de Ste. Cécile: SanctusCharles Gounod, Kiri Te Kanawa, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Auf Flügeln des Gesanges, Op. 34, No. 2Felix Mendelssohn, Kiri Te Kanawa, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Panis AngelicusCésar Franck, Kiri Te Kanawa, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Ave verum corpus, K.618Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Ave Maria, D.839Franz Schubert, Kiri Te Kanawa, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, Thelma Owen, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Trumpet Tune "The Cebell": Trumpet Tune "The Cebell", Z697Henry Purcell, Crispian Steele-Perkins, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Samson HWV 57 / Act 3: Let The Bright SeraphimGeorge Frideric Handel, Kiri Te Kanawa, Crispian Steele-Perkins, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose
Samson HWV 57 / Act 3: Let Their Celestial Concerts All UniteGeorge Frideric Handel, St. Paul's Cathedral Choir, English Chamber Orchestra, Barry Rose