Roy Thomson Hall – Bryn Terfel, Bass-Baritone

by Paula Citron.
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Bryn Terfel, Bass-Baritone
Malcolm Martineau, Piano
Roy Thomson Hall Vocal Series
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Beloved Welsh bass-baritone Bryn Terfel came to town as part of the Roy Thomson Hall vocal series and it was a love-in. The evening included a community sing along and patter as funny as any stand-up comedian. That being said, the great singer never forgot that he and pianist Malcolm Martineau were performing serious music.

Terfel has one of the great voices of his generation. The robust sound rolls on a gorgeous track of clear vibrant tones that can be revved up or down for nuance. His diction is outstanding, no mater what language, and his expressive connection to text radiates with every word he sings. As for Martineau, he is simply one of the most sensitive and sympathetic musicians around.

The challenging program included a first half of English composers and the poetry of John Masefield, with the second half a stirring mix of Handel, Mozart, Schubert, Fauré and Celtic folksongs.

It was a concert to remember.