En Prière - Stéphane Bordèse - Kathleen Battle

[2010thevoice]

omg just gorgeous!! I love the french chason, and especially with the likes of Faure or Debussy, who wouldnt?

[varadero1839]

@2010thevoice Wonderful to hear from you, and I'm very grateful! Though not very religious myself, after having understood the English lyrics, it gave me pause. As sung by Ms. Battle, it's even more difficult to ignore the importance of this performance. Thank you so much for your comment; I'm honored!

[jenson7720]

oh what a treasure.i dont think many people realise the work and skill that goes into learning these complex art songs by Faure etc.I just adore French art song and this is another to add to the list.thank you

[varadero1839]

@jenson7720 She is really one voice for the ages. Wish I knew what you know about French art song, but I'm merely thrilled by Ms. Battle! Either way, I'm grateful for your comment, and thank you so much!

[jenson7720]

@varadero1839 indeed Ms.Battle has the MOST exquisite voice!.Art song in general is very satisfying to listen to, and to learn.French song is a joy to sing beacause of the beautiful expressive language and together musically they feel seemless and very soothing.Duparc,Chausson and Faure being my favourites.Listen to Le Collibri Chausson,Chanson Triste Duparc and En Sourdine Faure for ur pleasure if you wish!with thanks

[jenson7720]

@jenson7720 i would go for Elly Ameling for Le Collibri,.Irish Mezzo Maire Flavin sings Duparc exceptionally in the final for Cardiff this year and her programme is up on youtube she sings Duparc as her second song.Maybe Greta Feeney for En sourdine.Not forgetting the truly breathtaking Barbara Bonney version of O Quand je dors by Listz[although he was Hungaria]Im not sure if any will live up to Ms Battle vocally, in ur opinion but the songs are interesting if you wish to hear more!Many thanks

[Arellessful]

Beautifully sung, many thanks.

[varadero1839]

@Arellessful Many thanks for your notice!

[curlingnf]

Magnificent...Kathleen never fails to deliver.

[svenktarr]

At last I feel it.



[pastorscottmoore]

If that was already there and I missed it, my apologies. If you changed it, thanks for taking it into consideration. I love Fauré.

[pastorscottmoore]

I am a little confused here...since when do we cite vocal works based on who wrote the text? At the least...please mention...that G. Fauré wrote the music. Whether or not Ms. Battle offers the definitive interpretation is certainly up for debate. It is certainly sweet and 10,000 times better than most can sing.

[varadero1839]

@pastorscottmoore I'm terribly sorry for the confusion! Hope I've been able to clarify the error in the above text and explanation. Please accept my apology!

[CatarinaP1]

omg , this song is beautiful .

i'm going to sing it , it seems hard , because of the piano :O

[varadero1839]

@CatarinaP1 So delighted that you enjoyed this interpretation, by the amazing Ms. Battle. Eu suspeito que você irá executar essa peça muito bem! Meus melhores desejos para você!

varadero

[twizzle99]

Yes , her diction is perfect!

[malleenn]

I can't stop listening!!

[SqueakyWeege]

@eveningthought It's the best you've heard because Kathleen Battle never disappoints.

[x4812k]

@SqueakyWeege unless you have to work with her ;)

kidding, this is lovely!!

[sgerlofs]

Thankyou for your beautiful voice, this was so inspiring! Learning this song for a voice lesson and would love words of wisdom from a performer.

[varadero1839]

@eveningthought Thank you so much for your knowledgeable comment! You're so right in that her manner and sensitivity brings us so much pleasure. Given the content of this piece, it tends to give me "shivers!"

[mustomia]

I'm singing this for my leaving certificate tomorrow ... Ahhh !

[varadero1839]

@mustomia My very best wishes to you! I'm sure you'll "ace" this lovely song! Will be thinking of you tomorrow!

[mustomia]

@varadero1839  Awh thats really nice of you . My exam went brilliantly .. So happy .. this video really helped me .. Thankyou..

[varadero1839]

@mustomia You're welcome, but why am I not surprised?? I'm so glad that this tiny clip helped you with your exam! Your talent took over and this was just a catalyst! Best wishes!

[gimmeachallenge]

Her tone is beautiful, the intimacy inherent in this song is achieved beautifully in this performance, and Ms. Battle is an intelligent musician. . . so it's disappointing that her French diction is so sloppy here. She sings as though it were Italian. Pity.

[smiledenim]

@gimmeachallenge

I disagree... I am french, and her diction is just perfect!

[gimmeachallenge]

@smiledenim So when you say "father" in French, you say "peh-RAW"; or for  "prayer," "pree-AIR-aw?" etc.

[smiledenim]

@gimmeachallenge

I sing in a choir, and we never sing exactly as we speak, it's impossible, and even musically speaking, it's ugly, especially in French

[gimmeachallenge]

@smiledenim Interesting, also, that you created your profile just minutes before leaving your comment. . .

[smiledenim]

@gimmeachallenge

how can you answer if you have no account?

[Plattdeutsches]

this sounds devine.

[glassblowfaerie]

this is fantastic, and certainly the best en priere video on youtube. her tone is just perfect for this song.

[Lionhaircut]

I love the colour and timbre of her voice!

[ELMOisaROCKSTAR]

beautiful! god they make it sound so easy! i have to sing this for my grade 6, im screwed!

[izzalozzabob]

@ELMOisaROCKSTAR  Likewise!!!!

[papermason]

Oh she's a perfect singer. I commented on your Kathryn Grayson video that Frederika Von Stade and Monica Whicher were the only comparable singers, I neglected to mention this lady. Miss Battle has that same effortless ability to lift from a lower note to the very highest! So beautiful!