Bryn Terfel, the acclaimed Welsh baritone and the world's biggest-selling current opera singer, presents "Simple Gifts," a captivating collection of sacred, spiritual, and meditative songs that span classical, folk, and popular genres. Released in 2005 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label, this album showcases Terfel's remarkable versatility and artistry, earning him a Grammy Award for Best Classical Crossover Album in 2006.
"Simple Gifts" features a diverse array of compositions, including works by renowned composers such as Mozart, Pergolesi, Franck, and Jenkins, as well as traditional and contemporary pieces. The album opens with Mozart's "Ave Verum Corpus," adapted by Chris Hazell, and includes beloved songs like "Deep River," "The Lord Bless You and Keep You," and "Amazing Grace," each arranged with meticulous care. Terfel's powerful and expressive voice is accompanied by the London Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Barry Wordsworth, creating a rich and immersive musical experience.
With a duration of over an hour, "Simple Gifts" offers a rich tapestry of musical styles and themes, from the haunting beauty of Pergolesi's "Stabat Mater" to the uplifting spirit of "Morning Has Broken." The album also features unique arrangements of popular songs like "Send in the Clowns" and "How Great Thou Art," demonstrating Terfel's ability to infuse classic pieces with fresh energy and depth.
Whether you are a longtime fan of Bryn Terfel or a newcomer to his work, "Simple Gifts" is an essential addition to any music collection. This album is a testament to Terfel's enduring popularity and his ability to connect with audiences through his profound musical interpretations.
Mozart: Ave verum corpus, K.618 - Adapted by Chris HazellWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Traditional: Deep River - Arranged by Chris HazellTraditional, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Rutter: The Lord Bless You and Keep YouJohn Rutter, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Murray: I'll Walk Beside You - Arranged by Chris HazellAlan Murray, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Pergolesi: Stabat Mater: 1. Stabat MaterGiovanni Battista Pergolesi, Bryn Terfel, Simon Keenlyside, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Still, Still, Still Weils Kindlein Schlafen WillTraditional, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Simple Gifts - Arranged by Chris HazellJoseph Brackett, Jr., Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
How Great Thou ArtTraditional, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Franck: Messe solennelle en la majeur, Op. 12 FWV 61: 5. Panis Angelicus - Arranged By Chris HazellCésar Franck, Aled Jones, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Brahe: Bless this house - Arranged by Chris HazellMay Brahe, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Jenkins: Ave verum CorpusKarl Jenkins, Bryn Terfel, Simon Keenlyside, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Myers: Cavatina - Arranged by Chris HazellStanley Myers, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, John C. Williams
The RoseAmanda McBroom, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Carrell: Amazing Grace - Arranged by Chris HazellJames P. Carrell, David S. Clayton, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Gwynn Williams: God's MercyWilliam Sydney Gwynn Williams, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Traditional: Morning Has BrokenTraditional, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Mason: Nearer My God To Thee - Arranged by Chris HazellLowell Mason, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Gounod, J.S. Bach: Ave MariaCharles Gounod, Johann Sebastian Bach, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
Send in the Clowns - Arranged by Jonathan TunickStephen Sondheim, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth
God will be with YouWilliam G. Tomer, Bryn Terfel, London Symphony Orchestra, Barry Wordsworth, London Voices, Terry Edwards
Myers: Cavatina - Arranged by Chris Hazell - iTunes / BonusStanley Myers, Bryn Terfel, John C. Williams, Gerald Newson