I had the privilege of seeing Mr. Hampson a few weeks ago in Claremont, CA at a concert. He is the most amazing singer I have ever seen. His voice is perfect, his stage presence impeccable---and he is from the USA!!!
Wordpainting of great finesse. Opera singers - of whom of course he is an outstsanding example - paint in oils; recutalists do so in watercolours. His is such a sweet, sweet timbre and he convinces in every intelligently phrased bar. There's no record i know of which implies that the text of this beautiful song is based on a true life scenario but somehow I feel that it quite probably is... ...One of my favourite pieces from one of my favourite, master singers.
thanks! i didn't know the name of this song, but whenever I listen to my "Aaron Copeland CD", as I call it, this is one of my favorite songs!!! (I also, LOVE LOVE, the german subtitles
On the lake where droop'd the willow Long time ago, Where the rock threw back the billow Brighter than snow. Dwelt a maid beloved and cherish'd By high and low, But with autumn leaf she perished Long time ago. Rock and tree and flowing water Long time ago, Bird and bee and blossom taught her Love's spell to know. While to my fond words she listen'd Murmuring low, Tenderly her blue eyes glisten'd Long time ago.
Gorgeous song sung by a gorgeous singer. If you care, I searched for the text in english and here it is: On the lake where droop’d the willow Long time ago, Where the rock threw back the billow Brighter than snow. Dwelt a maid beloved and cherish’d By high and low, But with autumn leaf she perished Long time ago. Rock and tree and flowing water Long time ago, Bird and bee and blossom taught her Love’s spell to know. While to my fond words she listen’d Murmuring low, Tenderly her blue eyes glisten’d Long time ago.
@@muslit Absolutely correct, this song clearly has Copland's personal stamp on it. The original was never written for orchestra and this arrangement is still uniquely Copeland.
A sizable voice with significant power, although Hampson darkened his voice quite heavily. My impression: He was trying to impose a darker timbre on his welterweight-to-middleweight instument.
My preference may well be my prejudice here. But the still-young Hampson is singing in a heady, tenory key. I prefer baritones who sound like baritones, tenors who sound like tenors, etc. Baritones who sound like heady tenors and aging tenors singing baritone do not work for me.
