HolmesBaritone

Quando incise su quel marmo by Bellini. Lyrics: Questa è la valle, il sasso è questo in cui di Gilda al nome unito il mio nome è scolpito, e in queste guise, se tradirmi volea, perché l'incise? Quando incise su quel marmo l'infedele il nome mio, invocando il cieco Dio, fede eterna a me giurò. Spergiura! e questa pietra il mio nome addita ancora, ma l'idea di chi t'adora, nel tuo sen si cancellò. English translation: This is the valley, the stone on which Gilda’s name together with my name is carved but why in this manner, if she would eventually betray me, why engrave it? When she carved on this marble faithless, my name, calling on the blind God, she swore eternal faith to me. Perjurer! and this stone still bears my name, but the idea of the one who adores you, has been erased from your heart. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

La farfalletta by Bellini. Lyrics: Farfalletta, aspetta aspetta; non volar con tanta fretta. Far del mal non ti vogl'io; ferma appaga il desir mio. Vo' baciarti e il cibo darti, da' perigli preservarti. Di cristallo stanza avrai e tranquilla ognor avrai. L'ali aurate, screzïate, so che Aprile t'ha ingemmate, che sei vaga, vispa e snella, fra tue eguali la più bella. Ma crin d'oro ha il mio tesoro, il fanciullo ch'amo e adoro; E a te pari vispo e snello, fra i suo'eguali egli è il più bello. Vo' carpirti, ad esso offrirti; più che rose, gigli e mirti ti fia caro il mio fanciullo, ed a lui sarai trastullo. Nell'aspetto e terso petto rose e gigli ha il mio diletto. Vieni, scampa da' perigli, non cercar più rose e gigli. English translation: Little butterfly, wait, o, wait, don't fly away so quickly. I don't mean to harm you, stop and fulfil my wish. I want to kiss you and to feed you, to save you from danger. You shall have a crystal room and will always live in peace. I know that April gemmed your golden, variegated wings, I know you're pretty, lively and graceful, among your equals the most beautiful. But my beloved has golden hair, the lad I love and adore. And as you, he's lively and graceful, among his equals the most beautiful. I want to snatch and offer you to him; dearer than roses, lilies and myrtles, my lad will be to you and you will be his plaything. In his looks, in his pure bosom, my darling has roses and lilies. Come, escape form danger, seek roses and lilies no more. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder fifteenth movement: Nachtigall, sie singt so schön. Lyrics: Nachtigall, sie singt so schön wenn die Sterne funkeln. Liebe mich, geliebtes Herz küsse mich im Dunkeln English translation: The nightingale sings so beautifully when the stars twinkle. Love me, dear heart; kiss me in the darkness! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Proud songsters from Finzi's song cycle 'earth and air and rain'. Lyrics: The thrushes sing as the sun is going, And the finches whistle in ones and pairs, And as it gets dark loud nightingales In bushes Pipe, as they can when April wears, As if all Time were theirs. These are brand-new birds of twelve-months' growing, Which a year ago, or less than twain, No finches were, nor nightingales, Nor thrushes, But only particles of grain, And earth, and air, and rain. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 42: He that dwelleth in heaven & 43: Thou shalt break them. Lyrics: He that dwelleth in Heav'n shall laugh them to scorn; The Lord shall have them in derision. (Psalm 2: 4) Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. (Psalm 2: 9) Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

A one man quartet sings Handel's Messiah (Part 41: Let us break their bonds asunder) in his incredible opera voice. Enjoy!

Un segreto d'importanza from Rossini's La Cenerentola. English translation: DANDINI But then I am an ex? from all to nothing I tumble in a trice truly I made a good impression. DON MAGNIFICO Excuse my haste but those two girls are in a cold sweat could you speed up your choice. DANDINI It's made, my friend. DON MAGNIFICO It's made! Ah, for pity's sake, tell me, speak! It's made! and my offspring ... will come into these rooms to flourish. DANDINI In good time, everyone will know but for now it is a big secret. DON MAGNIFICO And which, and which? Clorinda, or Tisbe? DANDINI Don't be in such a hurry. DON MAGNIFICO Tell it to daddy. DANDINI But silence. DON MAGNIFICO Of course, come, tell me quickly. DANDINI Can anyone hear us? DON MAGNIFICO In the air, one can't see a fly. DANDINI It is a certain mystery that will astound you. DON MAGNIFICO I'm on pins and needles. DANDINI Let's sit down. DON MAGNIFICO Hurry for pity's sake. DANDINI You are about to hear a case most fantastic. DON MAGNIFICO Could he want to marry me? DANDINI Please listen. DON MAGNIFICO At your service. DANDINI Be sealed You will now hear all from my mouth. DON MAGNIFICO In my body I have a strong box. DANDINI A secret of importance, A mystery most interesting I must reveal to you. It's a matter quite extraordinary, It will cause you to be astonished. DON MAGNIFICO Without batting an eyelash, Without even drawing my breath, I am ready to listen: I'll be here in strong silence to count every syllable. DANDINI Wise and mature man always advises us better if I were to marry one of your daughters how then should I have to treat her. DON MAGNIFICO Counsellor is already printed. But what excess of favour is for me then your excellency Stupid! Highness to hear. Always have, ready in the hall, thirty servants in full livery one hundred and sixteen horses Dukes, counts, marshels by the dozens, guests, meals always with ices then carriages, then domed carriages. DANDINI I reply without secrets that we are rather far from that I don't usually have dinner parties I always eat leftovers I don't hobnob with the fine gentlemen I always deal with servants and I always go on foot. DON MAGNIFICO You're fooling me DANDINI I promise you. DON MAGNIFICO All this then? DANDINI It's a hoax. It is a joke my prince buisness I am a man in disguise but the real prince has returned he has torn my mask off at last I am going back to my job I am Dandini the valet. who makes beds, brushes clothes, shaves and dresses hair. DON MAGNIFICO for this insult, for this affront The true prince will owe me an explanation. DANDINI Oh don't bother he won't do anything but leave at once immediately. DON MAGNIFICO I will not leave. DANDINI You will leave. DON MAGNIFICO I am a baron DANDINI Ready is my stick DON MAGNIFICO We'll see about that We'll talk about it DANDINI We'll see about that We'll talk about it DON MAGNIFICO I have a double bass in my brain That low whipping goes from top to bottom of the world what a slide, what a great waterfall here it is everyone will say about the city DANDINI Poor devil its a great confusion that from the heights to the depths to fall makes him your excellency be prudent if you want a razor, soap and a comb I will know how to curl you, shave you Ha Ha look at him the fool is there. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

In a churchyard from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain'. Lyrics: "It is sad that so many of worth, Still in the flesh," soughed the yew, "Misjudge their lot whom kindly earth Secludes from view. "They ride their diurnal round Each day-span's sum of hours In peerless ease, without jolt or bound Or ache like ours. "If the living could but hear What is heard by my roots as they creep Round the restful flock, and the things said there, No one would weep." "Now set among the wise," They say: "Enlarged in scope, That no God trumpet us to rise We truly hope." I listened to his strange tale In the mood that stillness brings, And I grew to accept as the day wore pale That view of things. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder thirteenth and fourteenth movements: Vögelein durchrauscht die Luft & Sieh, wie ist die Welle klar. Lyrics: 13. Vögelein durchrauscht die Luft sucht nach einem Aste, und das Herz, das Herz begehrts, wo es selig raste. 14. Sieh', wie ist die Welle klar, blickt der Mond hernieder! Die du meine Liebe bist, liebe du mich wieder! English translation: 13. A little bird rushes through the air looking for a branch; and the heart—it yearns for a heart where it may blissfully rest. 14. See how clear are the waves when the moon gazes down! You who are my love, love me again! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

The clock of the years from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain. Lyrics: And the Spirit said, "I can make the clock of the years go backward, But am loth to stop it where you will." And I cried, "Agreed To that. Proceed: It's better than dead!" He answered, "Peace;" And called her up - as last before me; Then younger, younger she grew, to the year I first had known Her woman-grown, And I cried, "Cease! - "Thus far is good - It is enough - let her stay thus always!" But alas for me - He shook his head: No stop was there; And she waned child-fair, And to babyhood. Still less in mien To my great sorrow became she slowly, And smalled till she was nought at all In his checkless griff; And it was as if She had never been. "Better", I plained, "She were dead as before! The memory of her Had lived in me; but it cannot now!" And coldly his voice: "It was your choice To mar the ordained." Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

To Lizbie Browne form Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and Air and Rain' Lyrics: Dear Lizbie Browne Where are you now? In sun, in rain? - Or is your brow Past joy, past pain Dear Lizbie Browne? Sweet Lizbie Browne How you could smile How you could sing! - How archly wile In glance-giving Sweet Lizbie Browne! And, Lizbie Browne Who else had hair Bay-red as yours Or flesh so fair Bred out of doors Sweet Lizbie Browne? When, Lizbie Browne You had just begun To be endeared By stealth to one You disappeared My Lizbie Browne! Ay, Lizbie Browne So swift your life And mine so slow You were a wife Ere I could show Love, Lizbie Browne Still, Lizbie Browne You won, they said The best of men When you were wed Where went you then O Lizbie Browne? Dear Lizbie Browne I should have thought "Girls ripen fast," And coaxed and caught You ere you passed Dear Lizbie Browne! But, Lizbie Browne I let you slip; Shaped not a sign; Touched never your lip With lip of mine Lost Lizbie Browne! So, Lizbie Browne When on a day Men speak of me As not, you'll say "And who was he?" - Yes, Lizbie Browne Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 40: Why so the nations so furiously rage together? Lyrics: Why do the nations so furiously rage together, and why do the people imagine a vain thing? The kings of the earth rise up, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord, and against His anointed. (Psalm 2: 1-2) Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Check it out as this one-man quartet beautifully covers Handel's Messiah Part 39. Enjoy!

Rollicum-Rorum from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain'. Lyrics: When Lawyers strive to heal a breach And Parsons practise what they preach: Then little Boney he'll pounce down, And march his men on London town! Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lorum, Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lay! When Justices hold equal scales, And Rogues are only found in jails; Then little Boney he'll pounce down, And march his men on London town! Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lorum, Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lay! When Rich Men find their wealth a curse, And fill therewith the Poor Man's purse; Then little Boney he'll pounce down, And march his men on London town! Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lorum, Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lay! When Husbands with their Wives agree, And Maids won't wed from modesty; Then little Boney he'll pounce down, And march his men on London town! Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lorum, Rollicum-rorum, tol-lol-lay! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder twelfth movement: Schlosser auf, und mache Schlösser. Lyrics: Schlosser auf, und mache Schlösser ohne Zahl, denn die bösen Mäuler will ich schliessen allzumal! English translation: Locksmith, come and make locks, innumerable locks, because I want to close their evil mouths once and for all! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

So I have fared from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain'. Lyrics: Simple was I and was young; Kept no gallant tryst, I; Even from good words held my tongue, Quoniam Tu fecisti! Through my youth I stirred me not, High adventure missed I, Left the shining shrines unsought; Yet - me deduxisti! At my start by Helicon Love-lore little wist I, Worldly less; but footed on; Why? Me suscepisti! When I failed at fervid rhymes, "Shall", I said, "persist I?" "Dies" (I would add at times) "Meos posuisti!" So I have fared through many suns; Sadly little grist I Bring my mill, or any one's, Domine, Tu scisti! And at dead of night I call; "Though to prophets list I, Which hath understood at all? Yea: Quem elegisti?" Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

The Phantom from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain' Lyrics: Queer are the ways of a man I know: He comes and stands In a careworn craze, And looks at the sands And the seaward haze With moveless hands And face and gaze, Then turns to go... And what does he see when he gazes so? They say he sees as an instant thing More clear than to-day, A sweet soft scene That once was in play By that briny green; Yes, notes alway Warm, real, and keen, What his back years bring - A phantom of his own figuring. Of this vision of his they might say more: Not only there Does he see this sight, But everywhere In his brain - day, night, As if on the air It were drawn rose bright - Yea, far from that shore Does he carry this vision of heretofore: A ghost-girl-rider. And though, toil-tried, He withers daily, Time touches her not, But she still rides gaily In his rapt thought On that shagged and shaly Atlantic spot, And as when first eyed Draws rein and sings to the swing of the tide. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 38: How beautiful are the feet. Lyrics: How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things. (Isaiah 52: 7; Romans 10: 15) Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 37: The Lord gave the word. Lyrics: The Lord gave the word; great was the company of the preachers. (Psalm 68: 11) Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder eleventh movement: Nein, es ist nicht auszukommen. Lyrics: Nein, es ist nicht auszukommen mit den Leuten; alles wissen sie so giftig auszudeuten. Bin ich heiter, hegen soll ich lose Triebe, bin ich still, so heissts ich wäre irr aus Liebe. Nein, es ist nicht auszukommen mit den Leuten; alles wissen sie so giftig auszudeuten. English translation: No, it is impossible to get along with such people; they know how to interpret everything so maliciously! If I’m merry, I’m said to have frivolous desires; if I’m silent, then it means I’m mad with love. No, it is impossible to get along with such people; they know how to interpret everything so maliciously! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Waiting Both from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain'. Lyrics: A star looks down at me, And says: "Here I and you Stand, each in our degree: What do you mean to do, - Mean to do?" I say: "For all I know, Wait, and let Time go by, Till my change come." - "Just so," The star says: "So mean I: - So mean I." Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Don Giovanni Act 2 finale from Don Giovanni by Mozart. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

When I set out for Lyonnesse from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain' Lyrics: When I set out for Lyonnesse, A hundred miles away, The rime was on the spray, And starlight lit my lonesomeness When I set out for Lyonnesse A hundred miles away. What would bechance at Lyonnesse While I should sojourn there No prophet durst declare, Nor did the wisest wizard guess What would bechance at Lyonnesse While I should sojourn there. When I came back from Lyonnesse With magic in my eyes, None managed to surmise What meant my godlike gloriousness, When I came back from Lyonnesse With magic in my eyes! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Deh, vieni alla finestra from Don Giovanni by Mozart. Lyrics: Deh, vieni alla finestra, o mio tesoro, Deh, vieni a consolar il pianto mio. Se neghi a me di dar qualche ristoro, Davanti agli occhi tuoi morir vogl'io! Tu ch'hai la bocca dolce più del miele, Tu che il zucchero porti in mezzo al core! Non esser, gioia mia, con me crudele! Lasciati almen veder, mio bell'amore! English translation: Come to the window, my treasure, come to console my lament. If you deny me some relief, I want to die before your eyes! You whose mouth is sweeter than honey, you whose heart cradles sweet desires! Do not, my beloved, be cruel to me! At least let me see you, my loved one! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Summer Schemes from Finzi's song cycle 'Earth and air and rain'. Lyrics: When friendly summer calls again Calls again Her little fifers to these hills We'll go - we two - to that arched fane Of leafage where they prime their bills Before they start to flood the plain With quavers,, minims, shakes, and trills '- We'll go', I sing; but who shall say What may not chance before that day! And we shall see the waters spring Waters spring From chinks the scrubby copses crown; And we shall trace their oncreeping To where the cascade tumbles down And sends the bobbing growths aswing And ferns not quite but almost drown '- We shall', I say; but who may sing Of what another moon will bring! Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/