DAME CLARA ELLEN BUTT (DBE) (1 February 1872 – 23 January 1936), sometimes called Clara Butt-Rumford after her marriage, was an English contralto with a remarkably imposing voice and a surprisingly agile singing technique. Her main career was as a recitalist and concert singer.
The lady with the large voice paid her audiences the great courtesy of taking care to sing with clear diction. Admittedly, the high volume level of this particular recording aids audibility, but it is also notable for the clarity with which the words may be heard even by those of us with battered and worn eardrums.
Sir Thomas Beecham is alleged to have claimed that when the wind was in the right direction Dame Clara's vast voice could carry to the French side of the English Channel .
With Dame Clara Butt's singing, it's not only a matter of a spectacular voice and an excellent technique, but also a sincerity of expression conveyed by means of splendid vocalism. Melba's recording of this lovely Scottish air is also very fine. Thanks for the posting, roy13820.
Clara Butt stands tall -- literally -- in the history of singing. Different sources claim different measurements: over six feet, six feet two inches, six feet four... even six feet six! No matter, and whatever her actual height, this performance is wonderful. Thank you roy13820 for posting, and thank you Nate for sharing.
@CurzonRoad For the record, I heard she was 6 ft 2 in and smoked cigars! Her voice was just about the strongest of ALL female singers on disc. The late Dame Joan Sutherland, who heard her in live performance when Dame Joan was only 6 years old and Dame Clara was in her sixties and very ill, said Mme Butt had the most powerful voice she had ever heard, including Flagstad.
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DAME CLARA ELLEN BUTT (DBE) (1 February 1872 – 23 January 1936), sometimes called Clara Butt-Rumford after her marriage, was an English contralto with a remarkably imposing voice and a surprisingly agile singing technique. Her main career was as a recitalist and concert singer.
Molto Bello!!! Thank you for sharing this video.
MrGer2295 2 months ago
Deep sincerity, inner power & sensitive expression define Clara Butt's singing! Her
deep connection with the text is revealed in her aesthetic phrasing and accentua-
tion of the words giving them the aura of profound meaning and conviction. The
rich coloration of Mme Butt's voice and her stunning breath control help to make
her performance special and memorable. Thank you 13820 for posting and to
CurzonRoad for sharing!
Kievest 1 year ago
Thank you roy13829 for posting this extraordinary voice and thank you Doug@CurzonRoad for sharing. Maya
mayatatyana1 1 year ago
The lady with the large voice paid her audiences the great courtesy of taking care to sing with clear diction. Admittedly, the high volume level of this particular recording aids audibility, but it is also notable for the clarity with which the words may be heard even by those of us with battered and worn eardrums.
Sir Thomas Beecham is alleged to have claimed that when the wind was in the right direction Dame Clara's vast voice could carry to the French side of the English Channel .
rupepill 1 year ago
With Dame Clara Butt's singing, it's not only a matter of a spectacular voice and an excellent technique, but also a sincerity of expression conveyed by means of splendid vocalism. Melba's recording of this lovely Scottish air is also very fine. Thanks for the posting, roy13820.
meltzerboy 1 year ago
@meltzerboy
Clara Butt stands tall -- literally -- in the history of singing. Different sources claim different measurements: over six feet, six feet two inches, six feet four... even six feet six! No matter, and whatever her actual height, this performance is wonderful. Thank you roy13820 for posting, and thank you Nate for sharing.
CurzonRoad 1 year ago
@CurzonRoad For the record, I heard she was 6 ft 2 in and smoked cigars! Her voice was just about the strongest of ALL female singers on disc. The late Dame Joan Sutherland, who heard her in live performance when Dame Joan was only 6 years old and Dame Clara was in her sixties and very ill, said Mme Butt had the most powerful voice she had ever heard, including Flagstad.
meltzerboy 1 year ago