Paul Robeson - Passing by (Purcell Cockram)

with Aleksandr Yerokhin (piano).
SSSR master 17075/6-1, rec. Moscow, 1949.
Much has been written about Robeson (1898-1976), his fame as an actor and a musical star, his fight against racism and his much-debated communist believes. But amongst all this I feel too often the fact is overlooked that he actually was a great singer. In contrast to other singers such as Marian Anderson or Roland Hayes, Robeson took the (comparatively!) easier way to fame singing "Ol Man River" - but this popularity enabled him to express his view to a bigger audience and so help his cause more effectively. He may not have been the easiest person to be around, and his political views meandered between extremely perceptive and incredibly naive, but mainly he was driven by an honest, deep care for other people. Apart from his truly remarkable voice it is this profound humanity that sets his records apart from many others. His interpretations have, at least for me, an emotional quality that many others lack, artful as they may be. And just in case you got confused by the label: This song is by Edward Purcell Cockram, not Henry Purcell!

Category:

Music

Tags:

• song
• Paul
• Robeson
• bass
• baritone
• Passing
• by
• Purcell
• SSSR
• Supraphon

[BudWiser999]

A Communist who can't sing.

[chezodette]

perfection.......

[vivascargill]

very beautiful!

[alainwilliam]

What a so nice song singing by this great natural bass Paul Robeson THANK'S so kind

[CurzonRoad]

Exceptionally nice.... THANK YOU!