Bryn Terfel - We'll Keep a Welcome

Editorial Reviews
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

Tracks:

Land Of My Father (Welsh National Anthem)
On The Seashore
David Of The White Rock
Men Of Harlech
My Little Welsh Home
A Pure Heart
Lullaby
Little Saucepan
The Shepherd Of Aberdovey
CWM Rhondda
Myfanwy
Cymru Fach
All Through The Night
Sunset Poem (Eli Jenkins' Prayer)
We'll Keep A Welcome
'Twas Thou Who Gave
Thanks To The Lord
Palm Sunday
Hyfrydol
Hiraeth (Longing)
Land Of My Fathers (Full Version)

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

Customer Reviews:

Gwlad! Gwlad!.......2007-06-03

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.

Pleasantly surprised.......2007-05-12

I only bought this CD because I wanted a good recording of Cvm Rhondda. Well I got that and much more. Myfanwy is just wonderful. I didn't know who Bryn Terfel was, but now I'm a fan.

So Welsh!.......2006-11-10

An absolutely delightful CD just full of the most wonderful melodic welsh songs and hymns, and what can you say about Bryn's voice other than 'fabulous', rich and vibrant - rather like smooth, dark chocolate. What a wonderful Christmas gift this CD would be for someone who has exquisite taste in music.

Very Enjoyable and Uplifting CD.......2005-07-24

Bryn Terfel picked songs that meant a lot to him growing up in Wales, and also which represent the Welsh spirit. I really enjoy listening to this CD, and know you will, too! Simply beautiful and stirring melodies, sound food for both ear and soul.

Nostalgia for Wales.......2004-05-15

Bryn Terfel, with his magnificent baritone, sings a wonderful selection of songs that makes me wish that I was Welsh. My husband was born in Wales and this is a wonderful way for our children to know more of their heritage by listening to the Welsh language as it is sung and following the words in Welsh, then reading the translation. This CD is definitely a favorite.

Music Review:

Music Review

music review

Music Review

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Balance 002

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