HolmesBaritone

Bella Nice, che d'amore by Bellini. Lyrics: Bella Nice, che d'amore desti il fremito e il desir, Bella Nice, del mio core dolce speme e sol sospir, Ahi! verrà, né sì lontano, forse a me quel giorno è già, che di morte l'empia mano il mio stame troncherà. Quando in grembo al feral nido peso, ahi! misero, io sarò, deh, rammenta quanto fido questo cor ognor t'amò. Sul mio cenere tacente se tu spargi allora un fior, Bella Nice, men dolente dell'avel mi fia l'orror. Non ti chiedo che di pianto venga l'urna mia a bagnar, se sperar potess'io tanto, vorrei subito spirar. English translation: Beautiful Nice, who arouses The trembling and desire of love- ah! Beautiful Nice, sweet hope And sole yearning of my heart, Alas, it will come- and perhaps That day is already not so far away from me- When the pitiless hand of death Will cut short my life's thread. When in the bosom of the ungodly final abode Lifeless- alas, wretched- I will be, Please, please remember how faithfully This heart always loved you. Upon my silent ashes Should you then cast a flower, Beautiful Nice, less sorrowful Will the horror of the tomb be for me. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Pace e gioia sia con voi from Rossini's opera 'The Barber of Seville'. Lyrics: BARTOLO Ma vedi il mio destino! Quel soldato, per quanto abbia cercato, niun lo conosce in tutto il reggimento. Io dubito …,eh, cospetto! Che dubitar? Scommetto che dal conte Almaviva è stato qui spedito quel signore ad esplorar della Rosina il core. Nemmen in casa propria sicuri si può star! Ma io … Chi batte? Ehi, chi è di là ... Battono, non sentite! In casa io son; non v'è timore, aprite. CONTE Pace e gioia sia con voi. BARTOLO Mille grazie, non s'incomodi. CONTE Gioia e pace per mill'anni. BARTOLO Obbligato in verità. Questo volto non m'è ignoto, non ravviso ... non ricordo … ma quel volto ... ma quel volto … non capisco ... chi sarà? CONTE Ah, se un colpo è andato a vuoto a gabbar questo balordo, un novel travestimento più propizio a me sarà. Gioia e pace, pace e gioia! BARTOLO Ho capito. Oli! ciel! che noia! CONTE Gioia e pace, ben di cuore. BARTOLO Basta, basta, per pietà, Ma che perfido destino! Ma che barbara giornata! Tutti quanti a me davanti! Che crudel fatalità! CONTE Il vecchion non mi conosce: oh, mia sorte fortunata! Ah, mio ben! Fra pochi istanti parlerem con libertà. English translation: BARTOLO Look at my ill-fortune! That soldier, as far as I can learn, is known by nobody in the whole regiment. I doubt...oh, damnation... Did I say doubt? I would wager that the Count Almaviva has sent this fellow here to sound out Rosina's heart. Not even in one's own house can one be safe! But I... Who is knocking? Eh, who is there! They are knocking, don't you hear? I am home, have no fear, open. COUNT Peace and happiness be with you. BARTOLO A thousand thanks, come right in. COUNT Happiness and peace for a thousand years. BARTOLO In truth I am obliged to you. (That face is not unknown to me. I don't recall, I don't remember, but that face, that face... I do not know, who can it be?) COUNT (Ah, if before I failed to deceive this simpleton, my new disguise should prove more successful.) Peace and happiness be with you. BARTOLO I heard you! (Heavens, what a bore!) COUNT Happiness and peace, from my heart. BARTOLO Enough, enough, for pity's sake. COUNT Happiness... BARTOLO Happiness... COUNT Peace... BARTOLO Peace...I heard you! (What a bore!) COUNT From my heart, peace and happiness. BARTOLO Peace and happiness. Enough, for pity's sake! (What a wretched fate is mine! What a terrible day this is! Everyone against me! What a cruel destiny!) COUNT (The old fellow knows me not. How fortunate for me! Ah, my love! In a few moments we shall be able to speak freely!) Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Erstarrung from Franz Schubert's song cycle 'Winterreise'. Lyrics: Ich such’ im Schnee vergebens Nach ihrer Tritte Spur, Wo sie an meinem Arme Durchstrich die grüne Flur. Ich will den Boden küssen, Durchdringen Eis und Schnee Mit meinen heissen Tränen, Bis ich die Erde seh’. Wo find’ ich eine Blüte, Wo find’ ich grünes Gras? Die Blumen sind erstorben, Der Rasen sieht so blass. Soll denn kein Angedenken Ich nehmen mit von hier? Wenn meine Schmerzen schweigen, Wer sagt mir dann von ihr? Mein Herz ist wie erstorben, Kalt starrt ihr Bild darin: Schmilzt je das Herz mir wieder, Fliesst auch ihr Bild dahin. English translation: In vain I seek her footprints in the snow, where she walked on my arm through the green meadows. I will kiss the ground and pierce ice and snow with my burning tears, until I see the earth. Where shall I find a flower? Where shall I find green grass? The flowers have died, the grass looks so pale. Shall I, then, take no memento from here? When my sorrows are stilled who will speak to me of her? My heart is as dead, her image coldly rigid within it; if my heart ever melts again her image, too, will flow away. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Vanne, o rosa fortunata by Bellini. Lyrics: Vanne, o rosa fortunata, a posar di Nice in petto ed ognun sarà costretto la tua sorte invidiar. Oh, se in te potessi anch'io transformarmi un sol momento; non avria più bel contento questo core a sospirar. Ma tu inchini dispettosa, bella rosa impallidita, la tua fronte scolorita dallo sdegno e dal dolor. Bella rosa, è destinata ad entrambi un'ugual sorte; là trovar dobbiam la morte, tu d'invidia ed io d'amor. English translation: Go, fortunate rose, to rest at Nice's breast and all will be forced to envy your fate. Oh, if I could change myself into you, but for a moment, my heart would long for no greater happiness. But you bow your head with spite, fair faded rose, your brow loses all colour from disdain and pain. Lovely rose, it is destined, that we meet the same fate: we shall both meet death there, you from envy and I of love. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Gefrorne Tränen from Franz Schubert's song cycle 'Winterreise'. Lyrics: Gefrorne Tropfen fallen Von meinen Wangen ab: Ob es mir denn entgangen, Dass ich geweinet hab’? Ei Tränen, meine Tränen, Und seid ihr gar so lau, Dass ihr erstarrt zu Eise, Wie kühler Morgentau? Und dringt doch aus der Quelle Der Brust so glühend heiss, Als wolltet ihr zerschmelzen Des ganzen Winters Eis. English translation: Frozen drops fall from my cheeks; have I, then, not noticed that I have been weeping? Ah tears, my tears, are you so tepid that you turn to ice, like the cold morning dew? And yet you well up, so scaldingly hot, from your source within my heart, as if you would melt all the ice of winter. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Malinconia, Ninfa gentile by Bellini. Lyrics: Malinconia, Ninfa gentile, la vita mia consacro a te; i tuoi piaceri chi tiene a vile, ai piacer veri nato non è. Fonti e colline chiesi agli Dei; m'udiro alfine, pago io vivrò, né mai quel fonte co' desir miei, né mai quel monte trapasserò. English translation: Melancholy, gentle nymph, I devote my life to you. One who despises your pleasures Is not born to true pleasures. I asked the gods for fountains and hills; They heard me at last; I live satisfied Even though, with my desires, I never Go beyond that fountain and that mountain. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Se a me non sei crudele from Handel's opera 'Giulio Cesare'. Lyrics: Se a me non sei crudele, ognor sarà fedele a te questo cor. Ma se spietata sempre ver me non cangi tempre, aspetta sol rigor. English translation: If you are not cruel to me, my heart will be faithful to you always. But if you maintain your spiteful temperament towards me, expect nothing but cruelty. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Die Wetterfahne from Franz Schubert's song cycle 'Winterreise'. Lyrics: Der Wind spielt mit der Wetterfahne Auf meines schönen Liebchens Haus. Da dacht’ ich schon in meinem Wahne, Sie pfiff’ den armen Flüchtling aus. Er hätt’ es eher bemerken sollen, Des Hauses aufgestecktes Schild, So hätt’ er nimmer suchen wollen Im Haus ein treues Frauenbild. Der Wind spielt drinnen mit den Herzen, Wie auf dem Dach, nur nicht so laut. Was fragen sie nach meinen Schmerzen? Ihr Kind ist eine reiche Braut. English translation: The wind is playing with the weathervane on my fair sweetheart’s house. In my delusion I thought it was whistling to mock the poor fugitive. He should have noticed it sooner, this sign fixed upon the house; then he would never have sought a faithful woman within that house. Inside the wind is playing with hearts, as on the roof, only less loudly. Why should they care about my grief? Their child is a rich bride. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Vaga luna, che inargenti by Bellini. Lyrics: Vaga luna, che inargenti queste rive e questi fiori ed inspiri agli elementi il linguaggio dell'amor; testimonio or sei tu sola del mio fervido desir, ed a lei che m'innamora conta i palpiti e i sospir. Dille pur che lontananza il mio duol non può lenir, che se nutro una speranza, ella è sol nell'avvenir. Dille pur che giorno e sera conto l'ore del dolor, che una speme lusinghiera mi conforta nell'amor. English translation: Lovely moon, you who shed silver light On these shores and on these flowers And breathe the language Of love to the elements, You are now the sole witness Of my ardent longing, And can recount my throbs and sighs To her who fills me with love. Tell her too that distance Cannot assuage my grief, That if I cherish a hope, It is only for the future. Tell her that, day and night, I count the hours of sorrow, That a flattering hope Comforts me in my love. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Dolente immagine di Fille mia by Bellini Lyrics: Dolente immagine di Fille mia, perché sì squallida mi siedi accanto? Che più desideri? Dirotto pianto io sul tuo cenere versai finor. Temi che immemore de' sacri giuri io possa accendermi ad altra face? Ombra di Fillide, riposa in pace; è inestinguibile l'antico ardor. English translation: Sorrowful image of my Phillis, why do you sit so desolate beside me? What more do you wish for? Streams of tears have I poured on your ashes. Do you fear that, forgetful of sacred vows, I could turn to another? Shade of Phillis, rest peacefully; the old flame cannot be extingushed. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Il fervido desiderio by Bellini. Lyrics: Quando verrà quel dì che riveder potrò quel che l'amante cor tanto desia? Quando verrà quel dì che in sen t'accoglierò, bella fiamma d'amor, anima mia? English translation: When will that day come when I may see again that which the loving heart so desires? When will that day come when I welcome you to my bosom, beautiful flame of love, my own soul? Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Dal fulgor di questa spada from Handel's opera Giulio Cesare. Lyrics: In tal' modi si premia il mio lungo servir, la fede mia? Barbaro re! ti pentirai fra breve d'avermi offeso. Andiamo, prodi campioni, e a Cleopatra avanti offriam le nostre insegne, offriamle il core, e sia menda al tarda l'alto valore. Dal fulgor di questa spada vo' che cada umiliato un empio cor. Gia? non dee soffrir l'offese che difese il suo regno col valor. English translation: In this way it is rewarded my long serve, my faith? Barbarous king! you'll regret it soon of having offended me. Here we go, champions, and to Cleopatra ahead we offer our insignia, offer her the heart, and be late at high value. From the splender of this sword I want you to fall humiliated a wicked cor. It is not necessary to suffer the offense that defended his kingdom with valor. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 46: Since by man came death. Lyrics: Since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. (I Corinthians 15: 21-22) Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

L'allegro marinaro by Bellini. Lyrics: Allor che azzurro il mar sereno specchia il ciel, al tuo navil fedel ritorna, o marinar. Tentiamo del piacer su l'onde la canzon, sfidiamo il flutto e il tuon contenti avventurier. Spera, spera, o marinar: la speranza è il nostro ben. Ognun speri di tornar de' suoi fidi ancora al sen. Cinge il futuro un manto: sol Dio saper potrà chi fia che rivedrà l'antica madre in pianto. Allor che in ciel vedrem il nembo imperversar, convien coraggio oprar: da forti griderem. Oggi concenti e suon la sorte ci serbò; doman mandar ci può forse procelle e tuon. Ma tornar vedrem sul mar, pien di gioia, ancor quel sol che alla pace ridonar ci dovrà del patrio suol. Allor senza periglio la madre ascolterà quella che a lei dirà storia di pianto il figlio. English translation: As soon as the blue sea brightly mirrors the sky, to your trusty ship return, o seaman. Let's try out a happy song on the waves; let's defy the waves and thunder as happy adventurers. Hope, o mariner: Hope is our treasure. Let everyone hope to return again to the bosom of his faithful ones. The future is surrounded by a cloak: Only God can know who it may be who will again see his old mother, weeping. As soon as we shall see in the sky the rain clouds raging, we must work with courage. Loudly we will cry out: "Courage!" For today, songs and music are what fate has dealt us; tomorrow it can send us, perhaps, storms and thunder. But we shall see, returning on the sea, full of joy, again that sunlight that must return us to the peace of our native land. Then, out of danger, a mother will listen to that which will tell her the tearful story of her son. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder eighteenth movement: Es bebet das Gesträuche Lyrics: Es bebet das Gesträuche, Gestreift hat es im Fluge ein Vögelein. In gleicher Art erbebet die Seele mir, erschüttert von Liebe, Lust und Leide, gedenkt sie dein. English translation: The bushes tremble, brushed during the flight of a little bird. In the same way my soul trembles, shaken by love, joy, and sorrow, when it thinks of you. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

L'abbandono by Bellini. Lyrics: Solitario zeffiretto, a che movi i tuoi sospiri? Il sospiro a me sol lice, ché, dolente ed infelice, chiamo Dafne che non ode l'insoffribil mio martir. Langue invan la mammoletta e la rosa e il gelsomino; lunge son da lui che adoro, non conosco alcun ristoro se non viene a consolarmi col bel guardo cilestrino. Ape industre, che vagando sempre vai di fior in fiore, ascolta. Se lo scorgi ov'ei dimora, di' che rieda a chi l'adora, come riedi tu nel seno delle rose al primo albor. English translation: Lonely little breeze, to whom are you directing your sighs? The sighing is granted to me only because, sorrowful and unfortunate, I call to Dafne, who does not heed my insufferable pain. The little violet, and the rose and the jasmine, languish in vain; far away am I from him whom I adore. I know no comfort if he does not come to console me with his beautiful sky blue eyes. Industrious bee, who is always roving from flower to flower, listen: If you should recognize him wherever he is dwelling, say that he may return to the one who adores him, like you return to the bosom of the roses at the break of day. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder seventeenth movement: Nicht wandle, mein Licht. Lyrics: Nicht wandle, mein Licht, dort außen Im Flurbereich! Die Füße würden dir, die zarten, Zu naß, zu weich. All überströmt sind dort die Wege, Die Stege dir; So überreichlich tränte dorten Das Auge mir. English translation: Don’t wander, my light, over there in the fields! Your dainty feet would become Too wet, too soft. All the roads are flooded there, all your paths— So profuse were the tears that flowed from my eyes. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

Brahms Liebeslieder sixteenth movement: Ein dunkeler Schacht ist Liebe. Lyrics: Ein dunkeler Schacht ist Liebe ein gar zu gefährlicher Bronnen; da fiel ich hinein, ich Armer, kann weder hören noch sehn, nur denken an meine Wonnen, nur stöhnen, in meinem Wehn. English translation: Love is a dark pit, a far too dangerous well; and poor me, I fell into it. Now I can neither hear nor see; I can only remember my delight, only groan in my misery. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

A one-man quartet sings Handel's Messiah Part 44: Hallelujah. Enjoy!

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!

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/