Dive into the enchanting world of classical vocal artistry with "Classic Kathleen Battle," a timeless collection released by the renowned soprano Kathleen Battle. Originally hitting the shelves in January 1984 under the Sony Classical label, this album is a testament to Battle's extraordinary vocal range and distinctive tone, which have captivated audiences worldwide.
Spanning a little over an hour, this album features 18 meticulously selected tracks that showcase Kathleen Battle's versatility and mastery across opera, choral, and classical genres. From beloved arias like "O mìo babbino caro" from Puccini's "Gianni Schicchi" and Handel's "Let the Bright Seraphim" to sacred pieces such as "Pie Jesu" from Fauré's "Requiem" and "Laudate Dominum" from Mozart's "Vesperae solennes de confessore," each track is a gem in its own right.
The album also includes lesser-known but equally captivating pieces, such as "El Noi de la Mare" and "El desembre congelat," alongside orchestral excerpts like the prelude to "Prelude to a Kiss" and the aria from Bach's "Cantata No. 51." Kathleen Battle's rendition of "Angels Watching Over Me" and the hauntingly beautiful "Going Home" from Dvořák's "New World Symphony" add a touch of serenity and reflection.
"Classic Kathleen Battle" is not just an album; it's a celebration of Kathleen Battle's artistry, capturing her at the height of her career. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Immerse yourself in the pure, radiant voice of Kathleen Battle and discover why she is considered one of the greatest sopranos of our time.
(P) 1984, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2002 SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT / (P) 1992 Sony Classical, a division of Sony Entertainment Holdings Gmbh
Tracks
O mìo babbino caro from Gianni SchicchiGiacomo Puccini, Kathleen Battle, Ken Noda
Let the Bright Seraphim (From "Samson, HWV 57")George Frideric Handel, Wynton Marsalis, Kathleen Battle, John Nelson, Orchestra of St. Luke's, Anthony Newman, John Feeney, Daire Fitzgerald
Dormi, JesusTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Christopher Parkening
Canción de cuna - VoiceTraditional, Kathleen Battle, Romero Lubambo, Cyro Baptista, Ira Coleman, Grover Washington, Jr.
Movement 9 from Mythodea - Music for the NASA Mission: 2001 Mars Odyssey - ExcerptVangelis, London Metropolitan Orchestra, Blake Neely, Athens Opera Choir, The National Opera of Greece Choir, Palamidi and Percussion Ensemble, Kathleen Battle
Vesperae solennes de confessore, K. 339: Laudate DominumWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Kathleen Battle, The American Boychoir, Anthony Newman, Nancy Allen, Charles Curtis, Donald Palma, Stephen Taylor, Robert Sadin
Messiah, HWV 56: Rejoice GreatlyGeorge Frideric Handel, Kathleen Battle, Robert Sadin, Anthony Newman, Erica Kiesewetter, Richard Rood, Curtis Macomber, Timothy Baker, Eric Wyrick, Julie Rosenfeld, Anna Rabinova, Robin Bushman, Joel Pitchon, Sharon H. Yamada, Donald Palma, Andre Emelianoff, Charles Curtis
Fix Me JesusTraditional, Kathleen Battle
Requiem, Op. 48: Pie JesuGabriel Fauré, Kathleen Battle, Robert Sadin, Anthony Newman, Donald Palma, Rebecca Young, Karen Dreyfus, Maureen Gallagher, Charles Curtis, Andre Emilianoff, Nancy Allen, Elizabeth Mann, David Singer, David Carroll
El Noi de la Mare (The Son of the Virgin)Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Christopher Parkening
El desembre congelat (December's cold winds were stilled)Traditional, Kathleen Battle, Christopher Parkening
Prelude to a KissDuke Ellington, Kathleen Battle, Kenny Barron
Eternal Source of Light Divine (From "Ode for the Birthday of Queen Anne, HWV 74")George Frideric Handel, Wynton Marsalis, Kathleen Battle, John Nelson, Anthony Newman, John Feeney, Daire Fitzgerald, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Exsultate, jubilate, K. 158a: AllelujaWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, André Previn, Kathleen Battle, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Angels Watching Over MeTraditional, Kathleen Battle
IV. Sehr behaglich. "Wir geniessen die himmlischen Freuden" from Symphony No. 4 in G Major - ExcerptGustav Mahler, Kathleen Battle, Lorin Maazel, Wiener Philharmoniker
1. Aria from Cantata No. 51 "Jauchzet Gott in allen Landen", BWV 51Johann Sebastian Bach, Wynton Marsalis, Kathleen Battle, John Nelson, Anthony Newman, Orchestra of St. Luke's
Going Home from "Largo" of Symphony No. 9 in E minor, Op. 95 " From the New World" - VoiceAntonín Dvořák, Kathleen Battle, Marlon Graves, Christian McBride, Cyrus Chestnut, James Carter
Kathleen Battle, the acclaimed American operatic soprano, is celebrated for her distinctive vocal range and tone, which have captivated audiences worldwide. Born in Portsmouth, Ohio, Battle first gained recognition through her concert performances with major orchestras in the 1970s before making her opera debut in 1975. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, she expanded her repertoire to include both lyric and coloratura soprano roles, solidifying her status as one of the finest sopranos of her time. Battle made history as the first African American female opera singer to win both a Grammy and an Emmy, and she has since garnered five Grammy Awards for her extraordinary contributions to the operatic and classical music scenes. After a notable hiatus from the Metropolitan Opera, Battle returned in 2016 and 2024 for memorable performances, showcasing her enduring artistry and vocal beauty. Her mesmerizing performances continue to inspire and enchant audiences, making her a legendary figure in the world of opera and classical music.
Vinylscout
Kathleen Battle
