Janet Baker - Samson et Dalila - Mon coeur s'ouvre a ta voix

[aussiechickdiana]

There aren't too many better than this!

diana

[intelegentable]

Sometimes the original foreign language can be a barrier between the listener, the music and the artist, The Brits have sense enough to know this and do Opera in English. We put words above the stage and people spend all evening reading instead of watching the action and listening to the text. Baker was sublime in her performance and had one of the most beautiful well trained voices, in the buisness. She puts enough passion and emotion in this aria and it is sexy to me.

[aussiechickdiana]

@intelegentable Yes, I agree!

diana

[kasha1932]

Improve my recommendations? What do you mean?

[busteanul]

hey, YOU ALL!!!!!

LISTEN TO THE GREATEST MEZZO SOPRANO VOICE IN THIS ARIA: ELENA CERNEI.

SHE IS THE MASTER TEACHER OF MARIA CALAS.!!!!!!

WHAT A OUTLIMIT VOICE TO ELENA CERNEI !

JUST LISTEN AND THE HEAVENS WILL CRY WITH YOU!

IT WAS LIKE A HAMMER FOR ME!

I DONT BELIEVE THAT GOD GAVE TO MANKIND SUCH A PROFOUND AND GORGEOUS VOICE!

LISTEN! ELENA CERNEI WAS REAL! OR NOT?

[achantus1]

Janet Baker is one of the best ever! Such intensity of feeling. She gives her all, everytime. Who of the modern divas bother? Listen to her interpretations of Berlioz or Handel. Just amazing! And I am a Wagnerianian!

[BrentAudi]

Thanks for posting this video.

Janet Baker's voice always brings up emotions in me.

It is the sound, texture, approach.

She was such a treasure!

Brent

[ParadiseofTruth]

Does anyone have the lyrics to this particular English version?

[Tenortalker]

Janet Baker was hugely admired in French Music all over the world . The reason this is in English is that it was part of the Sunday evening Stuart Burrows TV Show. Popular arias and ballads performed for a very large audience in Britain , some of whom would never go to an Opera House. It made sense to sing in a language they could understand . 40 years later the public is more used to hearing pieces in their original language -- The Three Tenors concert and Nessun Dorma saw to that.

[Fernflote]

Utter perfection.

[abracadabranque]

Du charme!

[MrSkylark1]

Janet Baker is an artist par excellence

[Drewminter]

@thomastmwc: Hunh? I don't understand your comment.

[kuddelfranz20001]

schön danke

[jayadsilva67]

I this this is the best that was ever sung.

[owenboi66]

Actually most opera sounds better in another language - either because the words seem to date more quickly, or because they were rubbish in the first place! Dame Janet pulls it off. It's about conviction!

[mariandelochs]

Elegant, comme d'habitude!

[DivaDeb1234]

Beautifully sung .....

[kam1st]

the translation is a waste.

[allegromarcato]

Fa schifo!!!! Bisogna cantarla in francese

[cantanteporsiempre]

one of my favourites all time mezzos, Baker, Berganza and María Ewing. Oh, and Maria Cernei

[mtenor]

just awful

[paulprocopolis]

I agree with iwuabrodya, that this aria sounds better in French (at least to my ears it does), but Janet Baker sings it beautifully. The voice supplies the emotion belied to some extent by the statuesque bearing. It's great to be reminded of Dame Janet at her superb best.

[cantanteporsiempre]

I agree 100%

[iwuabrodya]

Only singing in english disturbs me if I listen to this touched interpretation...

[SweetThing0001]

Jesse Norman does this song better

[mtenor]

yes and DAME janet is so up her own ass its unreal

[tristanchord85]

how vulgar and small of you.

[tonioeld]

@mtenor I know DJ personally....how wrong can some people be in their stupidity I suspect YOU have a problem

[ellandelachapelle]

Yes I adore thee, Dame Janet! (best mezzo ever.)

[Polabar47]

Maybe you are thinking of the great contralto Kathleen Ferrier, who did die of cancer.

Janet Baker - magnificent!

[anfiosso]

Macché awaken. Questa ha bisogno di un LUNGO sonno.

[salsimon]

Ah pweny and all other admirers my apologies . I would have staked a lot on my believing that JB died years ago of cancer. Now I wonder who I am thinking of. Anyway as she is four years older than I am she is hopefully having a fulfilling life as a reward for what she has given to others! Thank you for the correction.

[salsimon]

Sublime beauty taken from us so early. Thank God for these recordings with the bonus of a movie!

[pweny]

Taken from us????

[ellenthediva]

well. Janet Baker is just so fabulous. I love the dress!!

[thirlestanelodge2]

Fantastic voice Dame Janet. I agree it is funny to hear it in English but it is nice to know what she is saying.

To think that this kind of thing used to be on the telly. "Those were the days my friend." You wouldn't get that on Britain's Got Talent.

[Drewminter]

It may not be the sexiest rendition, but I dare anyone to come up with a more gorgeous legato line. Rule, Brittania!

[thomastmwc]

@Drewminter where:)??

[ian1856]

@Drewminter  Who cares about sexy? It's extraordinarily passionate - without resorting to mannerisms or histrionics...and, yes, that line is seamless. What a magnificent singer.

[pweny]

Why not sing this in English? Only a snob would object to this. Amazing Baker.

[meo2imma]

American audiences should be accustomed to hearing this in English - their own Marian Anderson did a very famous and beautiful recording in that language. And Ebe Stignani did a beatiful version in Italian.

[condeceprano]

What a stupid an anacronic is idea to traslate to other lenguage an aria so famous. I don´t think the great Janet Baker is really happy with this version , since she's able to sing perfectly in french

[abracadabranque]

@condeceprano Here is an realistic point of view .Not bla...bla...bla...or nia...nia...nia!

[bubba726]

Unforgettable! Perhaps one for the ages.

[Memgilb]

I was lucky enough to hear Marily Horne sing this in a recital. She sang it beautifully also.

[Memgilb]

understated elegance.....conservative clothes...very nice

[frenchyfrench]

A Londres les plus beaux operas sont à l'ENO chantés en Anglais ! Travail de troupe, modestie et respect de l'oeuvre même si c'est en anglais...Alors qu'à Covent Garden on peut se taper des casts internationaux de stars qui chacun font leur sauce, des metteurs en scene pretentieux ect...

[whyvehess]

j'adore l'opera dans toutes les langues! certains puriste vont hurler (qu'ils aillent au diable). j'ai vu carmen a l'ENO de londres en anglais: c'etait superbe!.

n'oubliez pas qu'au debut du siecle, tous les operas etaient chantes dans la langue locale: c'etaient leurs varietes.

[Drewminter]

@whyvehess Thank you for being the only FRENCH respondent to admit that this aria can be beautiful in any language. I am frankly puzzled by the comments about how awful it is to hear the aria in English. It's simple snobisme. Until recently all operas were translated into the language of the auditors, and composers approved this -- more recently Poulenc (and others) actually insisted that his opera should be performed in English if in Amerca, etc. (and so the Met does it in French...sigh)

[waful89]

this is beautiful! first time I'd ever heard an english version.. Does anyone have the english lyrics by chance??? that would be very helpful!

[fldiva2020]

What a treat to hear this aria sung so beautifully and in english! I believe American audiences, especially those unfamiliar with the opera or the french language would love to hear it this way.

[DivaDeb1234]

I love to hear it in English (even if this translation is antiquated)

I think Janet is sexy and passionate. I guess some people want her to do a lap dance or something to prove she is sexy...

Less is more...

[mariasarda]

My favourite singer with a mezzo's voice. Her musicality is very amazing, her density is magic.... Bravissima Janet !

[Valyria]

I'm sure if I looked I could find, or if I listened hard enough I could understand what she was saying (not saying she doesn't sound beautiful), but someone please give me English words?

[Valyria]

wtf why did I get a -1? Because I don't understand in English? Just asked for words because all I know is French SORRY

[1123demoko]

It is so Beautifull!!!

[semprelibra]

Dame Janet's voice has a wonderfully sensuous quality, matched by a deep sense of passion, that I find particularly moving.

[FOOFOOKITTY]

Gosh ... I just don't feel it, nor do I see it. Dame Janet seems a bit too uptight to sing the role of the seductive temptress, Delilah! Maybe that football helmet hair is getting in the way. Anyway, her singing is technically excellent, but I just don't feel the passion or sensuousness here.

[coaragdlm]

One of the most wonderful interpretations of this Aria.....

but unfortunately, I was so distracted with the words in english that I couldn't enjoy it to the fullest.

What a waste!

[Hearnoevil8]

Wonderful singing - HORRID text. THis music and the original text is too sensual for English - and yes I am English so don't tell me about English. This is an example of an aria which desperately demands the french text. I'd hate it even in Italian which is also passionate.

But Janet is beautiful - any recording of her singing the original? That voice is so wonderful

[godivapaw]

Beautiful!

[kikoencasa]

divina janet baker, una de las grandes

[sonnet43]

GLORIOUS. Okay this version is amazing too...right up there with Shirley Verrett's. Janet Baker's technique is the top of the food chain.

[callasexperience]

the drugs aren't working

[idraote]

the english text is a disgrace, especially this text: it goes against the music.

dame baker does what she can with such a nonsense

[madisonelectronic]

Luciano is dead, I loved him since 1973 but get over it.

[embenadorfinearts]

Dame Janet baker demonstrates here that she is not only a great artist but musically absolutely amazing. The original language is not of prime importance (example: Italian operas by Mozart sang in German). As fluent in French, the libretto of this opera is completely uninteresting and lack totally of literacy and with sometimes even nonsense. Janet Baker because of her talent is able to bring out in English every word with deep meaning. See my comments on this area posted a year ago.

[idraote]

I completely disagree: there are some bad librettos and many average ones, but if a composer is truly great he/she uses the language as an additional music line in his/her score.

Mozart's Italian librettos by Da Ponte are possibly among the best: not only music and words go together perfectly but their literary and semantic value is so high that any rhythmic translation is an abomination even if the music may still sound good to the ear.

Most of Italian and French vocal music suffer painful

[idraote]

losses when translated, even if the literary value is not that high.

anyone claiming to be an opera lover should be able at least to understand both languages

[damekirilover]

Geschmackvolle Interpretation!!!

[2007nc]

I love it. I have listened to this video many times and each time I love it more. Thank you for such a great performance.

[susejf]

Great singing but nothing that suggests the tenderness that this aria should bring,a pity.

[PecsMstr]

I thought she was too tender here. Too intellegent of an interatation and not enough primal sexuality.

[foropera]

Haendel's Messiah? She looks to sinceer for a Dalilah.

[musicman99]

Dear Janet, I adore you, Samson. You have the most beautiful voice, the finest control and the most polished performance style I have ever heard.

[Bustopher04]

I admit I'm not a fan of singing this aria in English but man could this woman sing with such pathos . . . truly an artist

[00ceroalaizquierda00]

in english?¿? @@ waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa nooooooo!!!! no no nooooooo IN FRENCH!!

[cantanteporsiempre]

this woman is a goddess!!! her voice was one of the most controlled voices in the opera stages, but this aria in english sounds like handel, don¨t feel the heat.

[mezzosopranoank]

i love janet baker so much especially her orpheo's but i think all arias must singing original languages!!!

[PecsMstr]

When doing opera in other countries, I too believe they all deserve to hear it in their native language. But of course the large opera houses are for those who love the original language and are happy learning the synopsis during intermission instead of when it happens. I hate subtitles. The minute you read them, you miss what is happening on stage.

[yesys]

That wouldn't make me want to cut my hair. Where's the sex? She could be offering tea to the vicar.

[legato699]

Well, she's serving tea with emotion and musicality, I'd say ;-)

I'm a big fan of Janet Baker, but the sensuality and "sex" would make sense if she had a partner with her in the stage, I guess.

[amandemil]

Oh come on! ENGLISH????? Please! Only the english dare do something like this! Horrible and such a beautiful voice....pity!

[urgrad03]

Lovely voice, but ghastly translation.

[xculap]

Nice musical!

I wonna know who is that pervert who translated this aria into English. Will people understand... This is not freaking musical, this is opera...a conservative and snobby culture, it never was and never will be mass culture, even write a techno version of this aria.... keep your filthy "holliwood hand" away from it..

[141407078989]

Hate this air in english, janet baker is THE MEZZO, love you for ever, beautiful beautiful beautiful voice

[CauldronBard]

Because of Louise Homer, i'm listening this aria for an hour now , Denice was beatifull, borodina was ok , Garanca was awfull ( despite the looks ), but ... it was Dame Janet who catch me . AMAZING

let's move on to Jessye :)

[MichelleHayworth]

Bag that face, honey. Never make it in Hollywood, sweetie. Hideous looking - she looks like a dude..yuck!

[lizclegg]

Who cares. You're supposed to listen to musicians not look at them.

[CharlotteinWeimar]

Janet Baker always used to say she preferred singing recitals and oratorios to opera, so it is a revelation to hear her put all the skills and control they require into such a radiant operatic performance. The words are the traditional old translation by Eugene Oudin, dated 1894 in the Durand edition.

[slobone]

Terrible translation, probably Victorian. Réponds à ma tendresse = once again I implore thee? I don't think so!

[dallasglt1]

The true French translation of this song to English does not read well at all and would not make any sense. Arias, in my opion, should be sung in the key and language written in for them to get across what the author is expressing.

[slobone]

I agree it would be better in French. But surely it should be possible to do a more up-to-date, sexier English translation.

[CandyHaleLinton]

What a treasure this is, and what a faultless and utterly beautiful voice Janet Baker had. This is singing..proper, real singing.

[Voluptuossa1234]

Her voice is beautiful. I just wish she'd sung it in French - it has a more romantic and sweet sound that compliments this aria, I think.

[olgamperez]

¡Laatima que no haya sido en su versión original,francésa...

[aporlosanodesdelosan]

La leche.

[vaslav4ever]

What a charme! What a class!

What a beautiful ARTIST!

[796824]

Janet Baker did not need of title of Dame. She is far more royal than any of the royals.

[lamoureternelle]

i'd give a 5-star if this were in french.

[balladtree]

English? wow.

[chubblove]

wonderful great Dame janet, in my opinion one of the greatest mezzo voices. magic seamless and really pure.

[bowmister]

The best.

[Fablife2000]

A great voice, a great aria and such a pleasure to hear.

Janet Baker is an all time great. Would love to hear more of her.

[nowstuart]

I have never heard of Dame Janet Baker until now, what a glorious voice

[Johnny1206]

why in english ?

[oizirbaf22]

WOW! Again, an artist so unique. I forgot how much I loved her singing.

[pianoboyo]

Amazing..wish it had been in frenchas the language is so beautiful BUT this is one of the finest delilas on youtube from a purely musical stand point

[dare57]

i love this woman

[796824]

An artist to the core

[Tsaraslondon]

I had no idea she had ever sung this. Quite extraordinary - and at a speed that would kill many a dramatic mezzo!

[embenadorfinearts]

Janet Baker once again demonstrates her enormous range of composers she is able to make hers. Even in being a mezzo-soprano every note is itself an expression and in the right context. Her gigantic variety of successful interpretations shows her versatility. Thank you for posting this video! 2 of 2

[embenadorfinearts]

Her phrase and accent as well as incorporating the words, make this interpretation very unique without the usual verismo or pitfalls of being sentimental. Janet Baker transcends, even here, with English language this dramatic aria. With absolute control but with emotion, she is able to bring out the drama of this aria with finesse and in between pianissimi, semi-forte sounds a richness which has been rarely surpassed. 1 of 2

[embenadorfinearts]

How is it possible to describe such interpretation? Sensible, intelligent, wonderful colorations in voice and sobriety. Petty that it is not in French. Janet Baker, Grand Dame ! Thank you for posting this moving video.

[primadivo]

amazin interpretation..and translatino of this truelly beautiful aria

[burns63]

Thanks for posting this!

[Operamanic]

Beautiful!