HolmesBaritone

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/

Gute nacht from Franz Schubert's song cycle 'Winterreise'. Lyrics: Fremd bin ich eingezogen, Fremd zieh’ ich wieder aus. Der Mai war mir gewogen Mit manchem Blumenstrauss. Das Mädchen sprach von Liebe, Die Mutter gar von Eh’ – Nun ist die Welt so trübe, Der Weg gehüllt in Schnee. Ich kann zu meiner Reisen Nicht wählen mit der Zeit: Muss selbst den Weg mir weisen In dieser Dunkelheit. Es zieht ein Mondenschatten Als mein Gefährte mit, Und auf den weissen Matten Such’ ich des Wildes Tritt. Was soll ich länger weilen, Dass man mich trieb’ hinaus? Lass irre Hunde heulen Vor ihres Herren Haus! Die Liebe liebt das Wandern, Gott hat sie so gemacht – Von einem zu dem andern – Fein Liebchen, gute Nacht. Will dich im Traum nicht stören, Wär’ Schad’ um deine Ruh’, Sollst meinen Tritt nicht hören – Sacht, sacht die Türe zu! Schreib’ im Vorübergehen An’s Tor dir gute Nacht, Damit du mögest sehen, An dich hab’ ich gedacht. English translation: I arrived a stranger, a stranger I depart. May blessed me with many a bouquet of flowers. The girl spoke of love, her mother even of marriage; now the world is so desolate, the path concealed beneath snow. I cannot choose the time for my journey; I must find my own way in this darkness. A shadow thrown by the moon is my companion; and on the white meadows I seek the tracks of deer. Why should I tarry longer and be driven out? Let stray dogs howl before their master’s house. Love delights in wandering – God made it so – from one to another. Beloved, good night! I will not disturb you as you dream, it would be a shame to spoil your rest. You shall not hear my footsteps; softly, softly the door is closed. As I pass I write ‘Good night’ on your gate, so that you might see that I thought of you. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 49: Then shall be bought to pass, part 50: O death, where is thy sting? & part 51: But thanks be to God. Lyrics: Then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." (I Corinthians 15: 54) O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. (I Corinthians 15: 55-56) But thanks be to God, who giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (I Corinthians 15: 57) 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/

One man sings Handel's Messiah part 47: Behold, I tell you a mystery & part 48: The trumpet shall sound. Lyrics: Behold, I tell you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. (I Corinthians 15: 51-52) The trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption and this mortal must put on immortality. The trumpet. . . da capo (I Corinthians 15: 52-53) 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/

Tu sei il cor from Handel's opera "Giulio Cesare". Lyrics: Tu sei il cor di questo core, sei il mio ben, non t'adirar! Per amor io chiedo amore, piu da te non vo' bramar. English translation: You are the heart of this heart, you are mine well, do not be angry! For love I ask for love, more than I do not want to crave. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/

It only takes one man to sing all six parts of the sextet from Act 2 of Rossini's Opera La Cenerentola. How cool is that?!

Torna, vezzosa Fillide by Bellini Lyrics: Torna, vezzosa Fillide, al caro tuo pastore; lungi da tue pupille pace non trova il cor. Al caro tuo soggiorno io sempre volgo il piè e grido notte e giorno: Fillide mia dov'è? Domando a quella sponda: Fillide mia che fa? E par che mi risponda: Piange lontan da te. Domando a quello rio: Fillide mia dov'è? Con rauco mormorio dice: Piangendo sta. Il caro tuo sembiante, fonte d'ogni piacere, il miro ad ogni istante impresso nel pensier. Ma rimirando allora ch'egli non è con me, grido piangendo ognora: Fillide mia dov'e? Son fatte le mie pene un tempestoso mare; non trovo, amato bene, chi le potrà calmar. Che fa la morte, oh Dio, che non mi chiama a sé? Gridar più non poss'io: Fillide mia dov'è? English translation: Return, charming Fillide, to your dear shepherd; Far from your eyes My heart finds no peace. To your dear abode I always turn my steps And I cry night and day: Where is my Fillide? I ask the shore: What is my Fillide doing? And it seems to answer: Weeping far from you! I ask to river: Where is my Fillide? With a hoarse murmur It says: she is weeping. Your dear face, Fountain of every desire, I see it at every moment Impressed in my mind. But seeing more clearly that it is not with me, I cry, weeping always: Where is my Fillide? I have made in my pain A tempestuous sea; I do not find one, beloved, Who can relieve it. What is Death doing, God, That it does not call me? I cannot cry out any more: Where is my Fillide? 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 45: I know that my redeemer liveth. Lyrics: I know that my Redeemer liveth, and that He shall stand at the latter day upon the earth. And though worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God. (Job 19: 25-26) For now is Christ risen from the dead, the first fruits of them that sleep. (I Corinthians 15: 20) 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/

Sogno d'infanzia by Bellini. Lyrics: Soave sogno de' miei primi anni, di tue memorie m'inebbria il cor; solo in te spero nel mio dolor. Nulla bandirti può dalla mente, ignoto oggetto de' miei desir; qual m'eri allora, t'ho ancor presente col tuo sorriso, col tuo languor. Sì, sempre, o cara, voglio adorarti, e a' tuoi bei sguardi sempre pensar, e a te miei giorni tutti sacrar. Quando dal cielo scesa io mirai la tua persona bella e pudica, giovine allora, ah, non pensai che tardi un giorno fòra l'amar. Rapido lampo tua debil vita seco travolse dove si muor, ed io ti chiamo ancor. Pera l'istante quand'io ti vidi pura qual giglio sulle prim'ore: tu ti slanciasti verso i tuoi lidi, e di te privo muore il mio cor. English translation: Sweet dreams of my first years my heart intoxicates me with your memory; in my torment, I hope in you only. Nothing can banish you from my mind, unknown object of my desires; as you were for me then, I remember you with your smile, with your languor. Yes, my dear, I want to adore you always, to always think of your beautiful glances, to devote to you all my days. When I first looked at your beautiful and chaste figure, descended from heaven, I was young and, alas, I did not think that one day it would be too late to love you. A quick flash swept your weak life away and took it where one dies, and I still call you. I curse the moment when I saw you as pure as a lily at dawn: you flew to your shores, and without you my heart dies. 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!

All'idea di quel metallo from Rossini's opera 'The Barber of Seville'. Lyrics: FIGARO All'idea di quel metallo portentoso, onnipossente, un vulcano la mia mente incomincia a diventar. CONTE Su, vediam di quel metallo qualche effetto sorprendente, del vulcan della tua mente qualche mostro singolar. FIGARO Voi dovreste travestirvi, per esempio ... da soldato. CONTE Da soldato? FIGARO Si, signore. CONTE Da soldato? ... e che si fa? FIGARO Oggi arriva un reggimento. CONTE Sì, è mio amico il Colonnello. FIGARO Va benon. CONTE Eppoi? FIGARO Cospetto! Dell'alloggio col biglietto quella porta s'aprirà. Che ne dite, mio signore? Non vi par? Non l'ho trovata? CONTE e FIGARO Che invenzione prelibata! Bravo, bravo, in verità! Bella, bella, FIGARO Piano, piano ... un'altra idea! Veda l'oro cosa fa. Ubriaco ... sì, ubriaco, mio signor, si fingerà. CONTE Ubriaco? FIGARO Sì, signore. CONTE Ubriaco? ... Ma perché? . FIGARO Perché d'un ch'è poco in sé, che dal vino casca già, il tutor, credete a me, il tutor si fiderà. CONTE Dunque ... FIGARO All'opra. CONTE Andiamo. FIGARO Da bravo. CONTE … Oh, il meglio mi scordavo! Dimmi un po', la tua bottega, per trovarti, dove sta? FIGARO La bottega? ... Non si sbaglia; guardi bene; eccola là. Numero quindici a mano manca, quattro gradini, facciata bianca, cinque parrucche nella vetrina, sopra un cartello «Pomata fina», mostra in azzurro alla moderna, v'è per insegna una lanterna… Là senza fallo mi troverà. CONTE Ho ben capito… FIGARO Or vada presto. CONTE Tu guarda bene… FIGARO Io penso al resto. CONTE Di te mi fido... FIGARO Colà l'attendo. CONTE Mio caro Figaro… FIGARO Intendo, intendo. CONTE Porterò meco… FIGARO La borsa piena. CONTE Sì, quel che vuoi, ma il resto poi … FIGARO Oh non si dubiti, che bene andrà... CONTE Ah, che d'amore la fiamma io sento, nunzia di giubilo e di contento! D'ardore insolito quest'alma accende, e di me stesso maggior mi fa. Ah, che d'amore la fiamma sento! Ecco propizia die in sen mi scende; FIGARO Delle monete il suon già sento! Già viene l'oro, viene l'argento; eccolo, eccolo, die in tasca scende; delle monete il soon già sento! D'ardore insolito quest'alma accende, e di me stesso maggior mi fa. English translation: FIGARO At the idea of this metal portentous, omnipotent, a volcano within me commences to erupt, yes. etc. COUNT Come, let's see what effect this metal will have on you, some real demonstration of this volcano within you, yes. etc. FIGARO You should disguise yourself … For instance … as a soldier … COUNT As a soldier? FiGARO Yes, sir. COUNT As a soldier, and for what purpose? FIGARO To-day a regiment is expected here. COUNT Yes, the Colonel is a friend of mine. FIGARO Excellent! COUNT And then? FIGARO By means of a billet, that door will soon open. What say you to this, sir? Don't you think I've hit it right? Isn't it a fine idea, happy thought, in very truth! etc. COUNT Isn't it a fine idea, happy thought, in very truth! etc. FIGARO Softly, softly … another thought! See the power of your gold! You must pretend to be drunk. COUNT Drunk? FIGARO Even so, sir. COUNT Drunk? But why? FIGARO Because the guardian, believe me, the guardian would less distrust a man not quite himself, but overcome with wine. COUNT Well, then? FIGARO To business. COUNT Let's go. FIGARO Bravo. COUNT Farewell! But the most important thing I forgot to ask: tell me, where do I find your shop? FIGARO My shop? ... you cannot mistake it … Look yonder… there it is … Number fifteen, on the left hand, with four steps, a white front, five wigs in the window, on a placard, "Pomade Divine" a show-glass, too, of the latest fashion, and my sign is a lantern … There, without fail, you will find me. etc. COUNT Five wigs, FIGARO A lantern, There, without fail, you will find me. COUNT I understand. FIGARO You had better go now. COUNT And you watch out … FIGARO I'll take care of everything. COUNT I have faith in you … FIGARO I shall wait for you yonder … COUNT My dear Figaro … FIGARO I understand, I understand … COUNT I will bring with me … FIGARO A purse well filled. COUNT Yes, all you want, but do your part … FIGARO Oh, have no doubt, all will go well. COUNT Oh, what a flame of love divine, of hope and joy auspicious sign! With fire unknown my soul is burning, and fills my spirit with will to dare. Oh, what a flame, etc. Oh glorious moment which inspires my heart, with fire unknown my soul is burning, and fills my spirit with will to dare. FIGARO I almost can hear the clinking of coin, gold is coming … Already it's here. Gold is coming, silver is coming, filling the pockets … Already it's here. With fire unknown my soul is burning, and fills my spirit with will to dare. Check out my Website - https://aaronholmesopera.com/