Binding: Audio CD EAN: 0028946359327 Label: Deutsche Grammophon Product Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon Number Of Discs: 1 Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon Release Date: September 26, 2000 Ranking: 9285 Studio: Deutsche Grammophon
Editorial Product Review:
Amazon.com: Bryn Terfel is the most recent in a long line of great Welsh singers (and certainly one of the greatest)--a people who proverbially are 'born with music in the blood and poetry in the soul.' Here, he sings the songs of his native Wales: hymns, folksongs, art songs, tender lullabies, yearning songs of love and homesickness, and heroic, defiant patriotic songs--including the Welsh National Anthem, which opens and closes the program. Terfel's voice, flowing out effortlessly like a golden stream, is phenomenal for its incomparable beauty, its range of dynamics, its inflection, and its intensity; his expressiveness is simpler and more natural than usual, and seems really to come straight from his soul. In honor of another great Welsh tradition, two splendid male choirs accompany him; in the fine orchestra, the English horn and harp soloists are particularly striking. The only false note on this heartwarming disc is the lush, garish orchestration, which runs counter to the ingenuous spirit of the songs and often almost resembles a soundtrack. The prime example is the lovely lullaby that's popular in English as 'All Through the Night.' Terfel sings it with wonderful simplicity; the orchestration is out of a grade-B movie. No wonder, therefore, that the more magical moments are those in which Terfel sings alone with a cappella chorus, harps, or piano; especially in the quiet, inward songs. The accompanying booklet is done beautifully, with stunning photographs of the Welsh countryside, a brief account of Welsh history and music, and texts in both Welsh and English. --Edith Eisler
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Customer Rating: - A Real Pleasure
Bryn Terfel, one of the best baritones in the world, has produced a great recording for the listening public. We can always expect him to offer rich tone, articulate phrasing, and dynamic, intelligent interpretations in his recitals, and that's exactly what we get here. Terfel once said "Having been born Welsh does not necessarily mean being the son of a good home, but it does mean having singing in the fibers of your heart." Well, Terfel certainly does anyway, and he pays tribute to his beloved homeland Wales with a lineup of Welsh folk songs. The Welsh National Anthem, of which there are two versions on this CD, is at least as rousing as "The Star-Spangled Banner" (blasphemy, I know), and is worth listening to over and over. To boot, it's sung in Welsh Gaelic, a beautiful language. Another highlight of the CD- the title song, "We'll Keep a Welcome." Of course, the whole thing is worth listening to.
Anyone who likes Celtic/Welsh music, vocal music in general, and especially Bryn Terfel, will want to get this. I can't imagine Terfel's soaring, artistic voice ever getting old.
Customer Rating: - Anthems And Hymns From Bryn
Bryn Terfel is a powerhouse of a bass-baritone, and a most versatile performer on the opera stage. I have seen him a number of times, and the range and beauty of his performances have never disappointed: he was a lyrical, bronze voiced Wolfram in Wagner's Tannhauser, and a playful, beautifully voiced rake as Mozart's Figaro (qualities he almost topped as Don Giovanni). I am not particularly fond of his "crossover" recordings: when he's not hamming it up on certain Rodgers & Hammerstein songs (not all -- some are done beautifully), he just comes across as overly stylized and mannered singing popular music (qualities which, I think, also hurt Renee Fleming's "crossover" work).
This is not an opera recording, nor a typical "crossover" CD. These are perfectly chosen and performed hymns and Welsh standards, marvelously sung by Terfel and the stupendous mens' choir he surrounded himself with. My favorites are the songs which were featured prominently in John Ford's classic, "How Green Was My Valley", namely "Cwm Rhondda" (the familiar hymn "Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer"), "Men of Harlech", "Calon Lan" and, especially, a heartbreakingly gorgeous a capella version of "Myfanwy" (the melody of which can be heard in "O Home Beloved"). The Welsh language version of "All Through The Night" is sung as tenderly as can be by Mr. Terfel, and I enjoy his rendition of this gentle lullaby far more than the Amazon reviewer did here.
This CD has been in my car for going on 6 years now, and it gets played, in whole or in part, at least a couple of times a month. Very, very enjoyable music.
Customer Rating: - makes me believe there is a god
I became familiar with Byrn Terfel on my last stay in London and was immediately captivated with his passion and incredible voice. Though I love everything he does, I feel that this album especially captures the essence and soul of this incredible man with a voice that sings to the universe. Surely it's the music he grew up and first sang and therefore does come from the soul. I feel transported to another time and to another place and if I never actually get to Wales, I feel I have been there. I have just ordered Vagabond but suspect that this album will remain my favorite.
Customer Rating: - Gwlad! Gwlad!
I saw Bryn Terfel sing Mozart at Lyric Opera in Chicago--unforgettable stage presence and energy, but I was more taken with his performances of English songs I'd heard on the radio. On this disc the full range of his musical talent is on display, alternately belting out nationalist songs, then singing hymns and traditional pieces with amazing tenderness. There are moments where the arrangements are a bit cheesy but the choirs are fantastic and Terfel is in fabulous voice throughout. Being a DG production the sonics are warm and natural. Overall, a beautiful addition to Terfel's wide ranging discography.
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