Dive into the extraordinary vocal prowess of Dame Janet Baker with "The Art Of Janet Baker," a captivating compilation released on January 1, 2013, under the Decca (UMO) label. This impressive collection spans a generous 2 hours and 45 minutes, featuring 30 tracks that showcase Baker's mastery across opera, classical, and requiem genres.
The album is a testament to Baker's versatility and artistry, encompassing a wide range of compositions from renowned works like Handel's "Judas Maccabaeus" and Bach's "Matthäus-Passion" to the poignant arias of "Dido and Aeneas" and "La clemenza di Tito." Each piece is performed with the depth and emotional resonance that Janet Baker is celebrated for, making this album a treasure trove for both longtime admirers and newcomers to her work.
From the tender "Caro mio ben" to the dramatic "La Mort de Cléopâtre," and the serene "Che farò senza Euridice," the album offers a comprehensive journey through some of the most beloved and impactful pieces in classical and operatic repertoire. Baker's ability to convey the essence of each composition, whether it's a lament, an aria, or a recitative, is nothing short of extraordinary.
"The Art Of Janet Baker" is not just a collection of songs; it's a celebration of one of the most distinguished voices in classical music. The album captures the essence of Baker's illustrious career, highlighting her unparalleled talent and the profound connection she forges with her audience through her performances. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a casual listener, this album promises an enriching and unforgettable listening experience.
Caro mio benTommaso Giordani, Janet Baker, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Plaisir d'amourJean-Paul-Égide Martini, Janet Baker, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Dido and Aeneas, Z.626 / Act 3: "Thy Hand, Belinda ... When I Am Laid In Earth"Henry Purcell, Janet Baker, The St. Anthony Singers, English Chamber Orchestra, Anthony Lewis
Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 1: No. 5, Recit. Du lieber Heiland du (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Janet Baker, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Matthäus-Passion, BWV 244, Pt. 1: No. 6, Aria. Buss und Reu (Alto)Johann Sebastian Bach, Janet Baker, Münchener Bach-Orchester, Karl Richter
Serse, HWV 40 / Act 1: "Frondi tenere e belle...Ombra mai fù"George Frideric Handel, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Ständchen, D. 920Franz Schubert, Janet Baker, Raymond Leppard
Alceste, Wq. 37 / Act 1: "Divinités du Styx"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63 / Part 3: 53. Aria: "Father of Heav'n! from Thy eternal throne"George Frideric Handel, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Judas Maccabaeus HWV 63 / Part 3: 66. Aria, Duett:"Oh Lovely Peace, With Plenty Crown'd"George Frideric Handel, Felicity Palmer, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Sir Charles Mackerras
Ah perfido!, Op. 65Ludwig van Beethoven, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Trois Poèmes de Stéphane Mallarmé, M.64: 1. SoupirMaurice Ravel, Janet Baker, Melos Ensemble, Bernard Keeffe
La Mort de Cléopâtre - Scène lyrique, H. 36: 1. "C'en est donc fait"Hector Berlioz, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
La Mort de Cléopâtre - Scène lyrique, H. 36: 2. "Ah! qu'ils sont loin"Hector Berlioz, Janet Baker, London Symphony Orchestra, Sir Colin Davis
Joshua, HWV 64 / Part 3: O Had I Jubal's LyreGeorge Frideric Handel, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Scena di Berenice 'Berenice, che fai?' (Hob XXIVa:10)Joseph Haydn, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
La clemenza di Tito, K.621 / Act 1: "Deh se piacer mi vuol" - "Chi ciecamente crede"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Janet Baker, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
La tentation de Saint Antoine (After 18th-Century Airs): VI. Sur un sopha (Air: Dans un détour)Werner Egk, Janet Baker, Koeckert Quartet, Strings Of The Bavarian RSO
La tentation de Saint Antoine (After 18th-Century Airs): XI. Tel qu'un voleur, sitôt qu'il voit main forte (Air: Tel qu'un voleur)Werner Egk, Janet Baker, Koeckert Quartet, Strings Of The Bavarian RSO
Hercules, HWV 60 / Act 3: "Where shall I fly"George Frideric Handel, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Amarilli mia bellaGiulio Caccini, Janet Baker, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Ariodante HWV 33 / Act 2: "E vivo ancora?...Scherza infida in grembo al drudo"George Frideric Handel, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
"Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust" Cantata, BWV 170: 1. "Vergnügte Ruh, beliebte Seelenlust"Johann Sebastian Bach, Janet Baker, Philip Ledger, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields, Sir Neville Marriner
Quatre Poèmes Hindous: 2. Un sapin isolé (Lahore)Maurice Charles Delage, Janet Baker, Melos Ensemble, Bernard Keeffe
Orfeo ed Euridice (Orphée et Euridice), Wq. 30 / Act 3: "Che farò senza Euridice?"Christoph Willibald Gluck, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard
Phaedra, Op. 93: In May, In Brilliant AthensBenjamin Britten, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Steuart Bedford
Così fan tutte, K.588 / Act 1: "Ah, scostati!...Smanie implacabili"Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Janet Baker, Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, Sir Colin Davis
Ariodante, HWV 33 / Act 3: "Dopo notte, atra e funesta"George Frideric Handel, Janet Baker, English Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Leppard