Heather Harper - Berceuse [The Cottager to Her Infant] - Bridge

*For non-profit educational purposes - Legendary North Irish soprano sings Berceuse by Frank Bridge (1879-1941).

The days are cold, the nights are long,
The north-wind sings a doleful song;
Then hush again upon my breast;
All merry things are now at rest,
Save thee, my pretty Love!
The kitten sleeps upon the hearth,
The crickets long have ceased their mirth;
There's nothing stirring in the house
Save one wee, hungry, nibbling mouse,
Then why so busy thou?
Nay! start not at that sparkling light;
'Tis but the moon that shines so bright
On the window pane bedropped with rain:
Then, little Darling! sleep again,
And wake when it is day.

written by Dorothy Wordsworth (1771--1855)


Harper's delivery evinces an unyielding, individual musicality that defers stylistically to the composer's intentions. Harper makes each word pr-regnant with meaning and with incisive diction, aristocratic phrasing and an immense vocal range re-envisions the most familiar piece of music as something refreshing, rapturous and peerless .

-

Heather Harper CBE (born 8 May 1930) emerged from the English pastoral tradition one of the most-recorded and most-beloved soprano at the Royal Opera House Covent Garden, where her repertoire ranged from Händel and Mozart to the demanding roles of Richard Wagner and Richard Strauss, in the latter's literature, she was a singer of the highest order.

She is well known for her many concert and oratorio performances. She made several world premieres in works by both Benjamin Britten and Michael Tippett and was the capable muse of many 20th Century composers.

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• berceuse
• frank
• bridge
• song