Begin the Beguine - Cole Porter

Thomas Hampson sings Cole Porter's Begin the Beguine in an arrangement of Wijnand Van Klaveren with Wolfram Rieger (piano), Liza Ferschtman (violin), Wilmar de Visser (double bass) and Ties Mellema (saxophone)
Recorded live at the Prinsengrachtconcert 2007 (August), Amsterdam by the AVRO.

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  Music

[Danny Owens]

I have read some of the comments.

I think Cole Porter can be voiced in both classic and contemporary style. Cole Porter could do anything he wanted.

[Joe Carbery]

Lovely. This is reputedly the longest popular sang ever written (100+8bar Coda).

There are no repeats and it tells a story. I always find it moving where the lyric says "Don't let them begin the beguine" and almost instantly reverses the request. Porter's songs were written as show tunes, as part of a dramatic story and would have been sung pretty straight on stage. (Listen to Porter himself sing his own tunes.) Which doesn't preclude them from sounding good in other styles. Just enjoy!

[Gaygarious]

AND HE DID!!!

[thamestango]

I'm sorry, he's a great singer who is awful in this. If you want to hear it sung well by a more classical voice listen to Mario Lanza.

[carlos antonio cabo gonzalez]

Volver a empezar cada día de nuevo en este mundo nuestro, es una lucha continua contra el reloj del tiempo que aun nos queda por gastar de nuestra vida aquí en la tierra.

¡Disfrutarla vosotros, como hago ahora yo, a poder ser hasta el límite!

[Leslie T]

Yes, you are absolutely right. This is a very good version of the song, and the band backing this wonderful singer up is great. The song is written to be performed in a Rhumba beat, which many versions are NOT. Like Artie Shaw's version... an attempt to put this fabulous song to a big band, swing beat... HORRIBLE !!!

[Leslie T]

Begin the Beguine is my favorite song, by my favorite composer, Cole Porter. I have heard many, many versions of this song, and this particular version is the second best I've ever heard. It is a difficult and very long song to sing, and this singer is very good. BTW - the very best version of Begin the Beguine is in the movie "Night and Day" starring Cary Grant. It is sung in that movie by the fabulous Carlos Rameriz, who is Columbian. If you are a fan of Begin the Beguine see that movie !!

[Eugenio Guidi]

Sempre più piacevole ascoltarla.Fantastico.

[elbee419]

OUTSTANDING!

[Choan Gálvez]

Worst. Rendition. Ever.

[maxcohen13]

Hampson is one of the greatest baritones alive today. His unobtrusive approach to the musical statements he sings makes it easy to appreciate and respect his musicianship.

[SatchmoSings]

Hampson should have changed gears and sung more in the style that is fitting for this music just as singers wouldn't dare "croon" Largo al factotum.

He also doesn't know how to use simple stuff such as "drops."

A curiosity but ultimately a waste; Dorothy Kirsten or Grace Moore he isn't.