An English Rose - Dame Janet Baker
Dido and Aeneas is the opera I will forever associate with Dame Janet Baker. It was the first music I heard her in when I was designing the opera for my final year thesis and her interpretation remains a favourite to this day. Her rich golden tone reminds me why I find the mezzo voice so expressive and gorgeous, especially when she sings Dido's heartbreaking Lament.
As a complete contrast to the Purcell I thought to also offer as tribute to Dame Janet on her birthday, her sumptuous recording of Ravel's Scheherazade, perhaps my favourite Song Cycle ever written. Revel in the luxury of such a beautiful voice. Happy 82nd Birthday, Dame Janet.
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