Grace Bumbry (born January 4, 1937), an American opera singer, is considered one of the leading mezzo-sopranos of her generation, as well as a major soprano for many years. She was a member of a pioneering generation of singers who followed Marian Anderson (including Leontyne Price, Martina Arroyo, Shirley Verrett and Reri Grist) in the world of classical music and paved the way for future African American opera and classical singers. Bumbry's voice was rich and sizable, possessing a wide range, and was capable of producing a very distinctive plangent tone. In her prime, she also possessed good agility and bel canto technique (see for example her renditions of the 'Veil Song' from Verdi's Don Carlo in the 1970s and 1980s, as well as her Ernani from the Chicago Lyric Opera in 1984). She was particularly noted for her fiery temperament and dramatic intensity on stage. More recently, she has also become known as a recitalist and interpreter of lieder, and as a teacher... [ Ссылка ]



Lyrics & English Translation

It was night in the garden of the Moorish palace.
Laurels and blossoms perfumed the dark air.
A lovely dancing girl stood hidden by her veil.
The Moorish king came into the garden.
He said, 'I adore you my gentle beauty.'
'Come you shall reign at my side.'
'For I have tired of the Queen.'

The King could barely see in the maiden in the darkness.
'Let me look at your lovely hair, your hand, your foot.'
'Lift the veil that hides you from me.'
'Give your heart to me.'
'And you shall have my throne... for I am the King.'
'Will you?'
'Come closer!'
'Let me make you happy!'
'Oh no!' exclaimed the King.
'It is the Queen!'


A link to this wonderful artists personal website: [ Ссылка ]


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I send my kind and warm regards,

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