O Cease Thy Singing Maiden Fair by Rachmaninoff, was added to Anthony's repertoire during the spring of 2009 because Anthony will be singing Flirtation- A homage to the collaborations of McCormack and Kreisler at Dublin's National Concert Hall. The collaboration of these two gentlemen was legendary and includes Angels Guard Thee (Berceuse from Godard's Jocelyn) a beautiful song which Anthony added to his repertoire at Christmas 2008.
A link to many songs by McCormack which Anthony sings to perfection
A very interesting article about Rachmanioff and Cease Thy Singing...
None but the Lonely Heart by Tchaikovsky, is a Lied (song for voice and piano.) It is one of Tchaikovsky’s most loved vocal pieces, and is based on the German poem by Goethe.
Play Gypsy Play by Emmerich Kalman, is from Countess Maritza, as is "Vienna Mine...Vienna City of Dreams" highlighted in depth farther down this same list. (The webmaster particularly enjoys Anthony's Viennese interpretations and this one is absolutely fantastic!)
Plaisir D'mour (The Joys of Love) by John Paul Martini. This classic French love song was composed more than 200 years ago. The lyrics are taken from a poem by Jean de Florian from his romance “Celestine.”
When Vienna Sings comes from The Gypsy Baron and is by Strauss, Jr. (Very little information has been available for this song. I am still researching.)
Brindisi: The Drinking Song is from Verdi's La Traviata. It is an energetic, powerful piece of music that will get your blood going! Ireland's Finest Tenor, Anthony Kearns, has twice sung it in the company of Ireland's Finest Soprano, Cara O'Sullivan. The duo is brilliant!
O Sole Mio text Giovanni Capurro, set Eduardo Di Capua. At a stop in Odessa on the Ukraine when Di Capua was touring Europe with his father, he glanced out the window and saw the beautiful sunlight on the Black Sea. He immediately penned the music which would become O Sole Mio (O Sun Mine!). When he returned to Naples, his friend, the poet Giovanni Capurro, added the words to this most famous Neapolitan song. It has been recorded down through the ages by all the greats from Caruso to Lanza, as well as Pavarotti and Domingo. Sinatra recorded it, and with different words, so did Tony Martin (There’s No Tomorrow) and Elvis Presley (It’s Now or Never)! This song has become the unofficial anthem in Italy.
Angels Guard Thee When he presented this song on The Irish Tenors Christmas 2007 Tour, Anthony announced it as from "a lesser known opera." As with so many pieces Anthony selects and treasures, this was at one time recorded by John McCormack; Anthony's delivery was magnificient. Many audience members requested background information on the piece, and Anthony himself supplied it to me after the concert. According to Anthony, it is by Ben Godard, Berceuse de Jocelyn from "Jocelyn," an 1888 opera in four acts. The Frenchman Godard was a violist and composer, and the Berceuse from "Jocelyn" is considered the opera's very best element; it is Godard's only really well-known work.***
A Lyric Link
Sheet Music Cover
Funiculi, Funicula (Turco/Luigi Denza 1880) was composed to commemorate the first inclined railway (funicular railway) on Mount Vesuvius and met with instant success. It is interesting to note that Strauss heard the song in Italy, thought it was a traditional folk song, and used it in the "Aus Italien Symphony." He was sued by Denza and had to pay royalties every time the symphony was performed in public. Mario Lanza performed the song in the 1950s with English lyrics: “Love is everywhere, funiculi, funicula.” In a Disneyland TV movie called “Escapade in Florence,” Annette Funicello sang “Dream Boy” set to the melody of “Funiculi Funicula.” The melody is highly recognizable and is used over and over again in cartoons and television sit coms; Elaine and the “maestro” even sang it in a Seinfeld episode! It most certainly can be hummed by most of the population of America, and it was a MASTERFUL addition to the Kearns repertoire in Fall of 2007. It was sheer perfection and great fun. Personally, I believe it begs to be recorded by Anthony!
Watch here as Pavarotti sings it with The Chieftains!"
If You Go In From the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, Iolanthe (or “The Peer and the Peri”), which opened at the Savoy in 1882 and ran for 398 performances. It was the seventh work of the Gilbert and Sullivan team, and is considered by many as their very best. Anthony introduced it into his repertoire on the Fall 2007 tour by saying, “It contains every saying you’ve every heard.”
Overview
Lyric
We’re called Gondolieri is from The Gondoliers, the last success of the Gilbert and Sullivan partnership, and one of the most loved. Its first run was an incredible 554 performances and was a Royal Command Performance at Windsor for Queen Victoria.
Even though Sullivan wrote this to Gilbert: "In such a perfect book as 'The Gondoliers' you shine with an individual brilliancy which no other writer can hope to attain.” and Gilbert replied, "It gives one the chance of shining right through the twentieth century with a reflected light." …… their partnership was soon to dissolve.
Lyric
Widmung (Devotion) In 1840, as his wedding gift to his bride Clara Wieck, Robert Shumann set to music a poem by Friedrich Rückert, creating this fervent love song from his most deeply-felt emotions. His passion and devotion mix with his longing and frustration, and moves into his hopes and dreams for their future. This vigorous song contains sweeping piano passages and remained one of Shumann’s most favorite compositions. Shumann was the epitome of romantic composers, he perfected the mysterious amalgamation of music and poetry creating a lasting influence on generations of composers.
Du Bist Wie Eine Blume (You Are Like a Flower), is another of Robert Schumann's ardent songs which uses flower imagery as a metaphor of his fiancée; it is considered one of his finest pieces. Anthony introduced the Shumann pieces (Widmung and Du Bist) into his Fall 2007 tour this way: “These are actually duets between the piano and the singer: one is of gentle love, the other passionate.”
Probitia Musica Gastalden set an Italian poem by Lorenzo Stecchetti to music, creating a lasting classic. It is both passionate and sensitive, ending with an exquisite pianissimo note. Both Bocelli and Carreras have recorded this lovely song.
Après Un Rêve (After the Dream) is one of Gabriel Faure’s most popular songs. The wistful, dreamy lyric combines with a pulsing piano; an unusual coupling creating a richly expressive song. This piece is one of Patrick Healy’s favorites!
Listen
So Deep is the Night This romantic tenor serenade with a Tony Christie lyric, is based on Chopin’s Tristesse, Etude No. 3 in E major. Absolutely brilliant and brilliantly handled by Kearns.
Lyric
Aubade by Edouard Lalo is from his opera Le Roi D'Ys, 1888. This is considered a "charmingly faded opera" in an "outwarn musical style." Yet it's most illustrious moment is the high pianissimo of the lovely tenor aria near the end of the third act: Mylio's Aubade...."Vainly, oh dear beloved" which Anthony sang in his solo tour a few years ago.**
Read about the Opera
Come Back to Sorento (Torna a Sorrento) has been sung by every Tenor of note since it was composed in 1904 by Ernesto DeCurtis/G.B. De Curtis, even including Frank Sinatra and Elvis (as "Surrender" in 1961). This incredible Neopolitan song is a favorite of Tenors, sweet yet powerful to sing. Anthony has brought his interpretation to the mix, and has come up the winner: it is wonderful by Kearns!
Listen to Pavarotti (You will need to scroll down and select this song.)
Panis Angelicus, taken from the Catholic hymn: Sacris solemniis written by St. Thomas Aquinas (Feast of Corpus Christi). The stanza which begins "Panis angelicus" (bread of angels) was set to music separate and apart from the rest of the hymn, and arranged primarily for the tenor voice. In Dublin's Phoenix Park, John McCormack sang it (1932) and considered it the absolute highlight of his career. It has been sung by many magnificient Tenors: Pavarotti, Domingo, Bocelli. On The Irish Tenors Christmas CD, "We Three Kings," it was sung in duet by Anthony Kearns and Ronan Tynan. Anthony's startlingly clear, sweet voice sings it alone perfectly and reaches sublime heights. He sang it in Williamsburg, VA in 2006 at the request of the Pastor in the church in which he was performing; he was also asked to sing it on Raymond Arroyo's "The World Over" for his Christmas 2007 TV Special.
To the Children This beautiful song was written by Sergie Rachmanioff in 1906 for his dear friend John McCormack. Anthony began including it in his solo concerts during the fall of 2006 when he sang two McCormack Tribute Concerts in Ireland. It has been extremely well received.
Listen to a brief piano clip Here
Ombra mai fu is from one of Handel’s lesser known masterpieces, “Xerxes,” yet is one of his best loved arias. "Xerxes" debuted in 1738 and ran for only five performances then disappeared for two centuries. The title of this song translates to “Shade there never was;” it is commonly referred to as Handel’s “Largo,” or “Largo from Xerxes.” It was chosen by Anthony and Patrick to include in the fall 2005 ensemble performed with the Port Angeles orchestra, and was brilliantly handled by Anthony Kearns.
Listen to Caruso's Ombra mai fu
On Wings of Song, Felix Mendelssohn, is called by Anthony Kearns “a piece which captures the peace and tranquility we are all searching for.” Patrick Healy continues that “it transports us to another world, and no one does it better than himself.” Mr. Healy is quite correct; this is lovely in Anthony’s hands.
Brief Mendelssohn Bio
Serenade, one of the world’s most beautiful love songs, comes from Sigmund Romberg’s 1924 operetta “The Student Prince (of Heidelberg).” (Books and lyrics by Dorothy Donnelly.) This is considered Romberg’s most successful work, running for 608 performances, beginning 12/2/1924, at Jolsen’s 59th Street Theatre on Broadway’s Great White Way. It also enjoyed two Broadway revivals, as well as a movie featuring Mario Lanza. Lanza’s 1952 recording of the soundtrack (in SINGLE takes!) is perhaps his greatest achievement. Kearns holds Lanza in high regard, and enjoys presenting his music to the world.
About the Operetta
Romberg
Lyrics, scroll down to find them
Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes is from the Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, “The Gondoliers,” circa 1889. The music in this production is considered “the best of all” and the last before quarrelling with D’Oyly Carte. Both Anthony and Patrick have a certain fondness for the works of Gilbert and Sullivan, and both enjoy including their pieces on tour.
Ave Maria Anthony Kearns chose the Johann Sebastian Bach/Charles Gounod “Ave” to sing with the Port Angeles orchestra in the fall of 2004, 2005, and 2007. On all four occasions, he was greeted with lengthy standing ovations and deep appreciation for his presentation of this amazing piece. Anthony recorded this “Ave” on the first Irish Tenors’ Christmas CD. He often sings the Shubert, as well.
English Translation
Listen to Mouskouri sing this arrangement here
Friendship Written by Patrick Healy for his Fall 2003 Gilbert and Sullivan Evening at the National Concert Hall, Dublin, this delightful exchange between the aging and the younger tenor is wonderfully and hilariously presented by Mr. Healy and Anthony Kearns. One hopes that it will become a regular part of the Anthony Kearns Solo Repertoire, it would be a shame not to hear it again and again! It is pure Kearns/Healy, and pure delight!
A vucchella (translated: "A Little Posy") text Gabriele d'Annunzio, set Francesco Paulo Tosti, was published in 1892 and recorded by Enrico Caruso September 8, 1919 in Camden, New Jersey. Mario Lanza also recorded this lovely Neapolitan song on at least two of his albums. This was added to the solo repertoire of Anthony Kearns during his Fall, 2003, tour. It is a wonderful addition!
The Bould Gendarmes Duet, sung by Anthony and Patrick, comes from an obscure operetta, “Genevieve de Brabant” by Jacques Offenbach, 1859. This delightful duet was performed at the outset of Anthony's American solo career by Kearns/Healy. Thankfully, it was reintroduced during the Fall, 2003 Solo Tour. This duet tickles audiences and brings out the very best in Kearns's comedic acting-out. The man has a gift for comedy and a terrific delivery. It contains a rollicking interaction between himself and Mr. Healy, and is utterly enjoyable. This is an audience favorite.
My Heart and I is a beautiful love song often associated with the late Richard Tauber, in fact, it very nearly became his ‘theme song’ during his lifetime. Some research has shown that Tauber did, in fact, collaborate upon its composition, and some credit Franz Lehar, who wrote many operettas, many especially for Mr. Tauber. This piece was also added to the AJK repertoire in late Fall 2003.
Where ‘Ere You Walk is an oratorio composed in 1744 by George Frideric Handel as a part of the larger work, “Semele.” It is a breathtaking piece of music. This aria is thought to be Handel’s noblest melody, quite pure and lyrical. An oratorio is a musical presentation, generally of a sacred text; its music resembles that of operas and cantatas. Mr. Kearns has twice been a winner of the Dermot Troy Trophy for Oratorio; his interpretation of this piece is extraordinary.
La Donna e Mobile comes from Guiseppe Verdi’s opera, “Rigoletto” Rigoletto is a hunchback court jester whose daughter, Guilda, is abducted by the Duke of Mantua. La Donna e Mobile is the Duke's aria disdaining the fickleness of women. Verdi, knowing what an incredible aria he had written, didn’t allow the tenor to rehearse, nor even to see the piece, prior to the premier. He didn’t care to have Venice familiar with the work until opening night!
(Anthony Kearns has referred to “La Donna e Mobile” as one of his favorite arias.)
Caruso (scroll down to find this aria)
Girls Were Made To Love and Kiss is a creation of Franz Lehar for the operetta “Paganini” (libretto by Paul Knepler and Bela Jenbach). This manuscript was sent to Lehar anonymously in 1923, when he was in a creative slump. It excited him immediately and he was able to compose the entire operetta very quickly, thinking of the voice of Richard Tauber as he wrote. He was convinced that in Tauber he had found the perfect voice for his music. It was the beginning of a successful collaboration between composer and artist and produced six of Lehar’s finest works. Anthony Kearns plays this lyric well: 'Girls were made to love and kiss, and who am I to interfere with this?....I am a man, I do what I can....' One immediately is drawn into the character and wishes to see the entire operetta starring Anthony Kearns!
Paganini
Una furtiva lagrima is perhaps Gaetano Donizetti’s most famous aria. It was written for the opera “L’Elisir d’Amore” (1892) and is celebrated as a truly lovely tenor aria. The opera “L’Elisir d’Amore” (The Elixir of Love) is an opera buffa (comic opera) based upon the idea of a magic elixir with the power to inspire love. Donizetti possessed an incredible lyric gift and his arias were written to take full advantage of the skill and technique of specific voices, in this case, the perfect tenor voice. Mr. Kearns has just such skill and technique.
Standchen (Serenade) was composed by Franz Schubert during what has been called his Swan Song year of 1828. This period is referred to as his last song cycle, and “Standchen” is considered to be one of the most popular love songs of all time. It is also known as “Softly Through the Night is Calling.”*
There is a Flower that Bloometh, by William Vincent Wallace, is the beautiful tenor aria in the Irish opera, “Maritana.” This opera is one of the three which make up The Irish Ring, in which Anthony Kearns has often performed as lead tenor. It is very demanding and requires stamina and style and encompasses the full range of the tenor voice; Mr. Kearns carries it superbly. He enjoys the opportunity to bring an Irish aria to the world. “There is a Flower” is an aria which can be found on the Irish Tenor CD and video: “Live in Belfast.”
Let Me Like a Soldier Fall is also from "Maritana." It is a powerful aria well suited to a strong lyric tenor voice such as that of Mr. Kearns. It tells of a soldier who has been imprisoned and sentenced to die, but not by the honorable death which each soldier feels is right and proper. This is his plea for such a death.
Vienna Mine composed by Emmerich Kalman, comes from the German operetta “Countess Maritza.” It is sung by the impoverished young nobleman who has become an estate manager incognito in order to pay for his young sister’s upbringing and education. He is lonely and longing for his home, his better life. It is a lovely, technically difficult piece which is done with care and style by young Anthony Kearns. (This is the webmaster's favorite among all of Anthony's splendid classical presentations!)
Salut! Demeure Chaste et Pure is from Charles Francois Gounod’s opera, “Faust,” and is based upon Goerthe’s “Faust.” In the opening act, the disillusioned Faust is contemplating suicide. The devil appears in the form of Mephistopheles and makes certain promises in exchange for Faust’s soul. Faust has no interest in the offered riches, he wants the joys of youth and the young Marguerite. The two set out to win her, to no avail. In the end, as Marguerite dies, the heavens receive her soul and Faust must keep his bargain with the devil. This aria, professing the young Faust’s love for the innocent and pure Marguerite, is sung as he approaches her cottage “hail thou dwelling chaste and pure.” Absolutely wonderful in concert!
Read of Anthony's role as Faust in Dublin
Love Thee, Dearest is a Thomas Moore Melody. This song is a lovely piece which some would argue should be in our Irish Music Section. It will be highlighted there, as well, but is here because we feel this song is every bit as classical as any written or performed by classically trained tenors. It requires tremendous vocal range and control and is an audience favorite for Mr. Kearns. It can be heard on the Irish Tenor CD and video: “Ellis Island.”
Granada was composed by one of Mexico’s greatest songwriters, Agustin Lara. It is a powerful, melodic piece of music which, when performed well, pulls one into its strains immediately. It is a fiery, muscular song, one which Anthony sings with passion, as if he were indeed from Granada and reflecting upon it longingly, “Granada, land of my dreams...Granada, Land of beautiful women, of blood and of sun!” This is another piece Mr. Kearns often saves until the end; its power is perfection for encore.
Catari, Catari (“Core ‘Ngrato” -- Ungrateful Heart) is a haunting and heart-rending, soulful and sorrowful composition. In 1911, Neopolitan Salvatore Cardillo, especially for Enrico Caruso, set to music the beautiful lyrics of Alessandro Sisca, also from Naples.* “Catari, Catari, why do you tell me only words of bitterness?” Beautifully melodious!
Listen to Pavarotti (You will need to scroll down and select this song.)
You Are My Heart’s Delight Franz Lehar composed this song for the operetta, “Land of Smiles.” It was made famous by tenor, Richard Tauber. As mentioned earlier, the Lehar/Tauber collaboration created incredible music for the tenor voice.
Mattinata (Morning Serenade) is a lovely Neapolitan song written by Ruggiero Leoncavallo especially for Enrico Caruso. "Mattinata" holds the honor of being the first song ever written primarily for recording; Caruso recorded it in 1904. It was later recorded by John McCormack, among many others. This song also holds the distinction of having been sung by nearly every classically trained tenor since Caruso introduced it! "Mattinata" has a very familiar melody, one which audiences would recognize immediately, for even Dean Martin once recorded it with the title and lyrics "You're Breaking My Heart." The beautiful, lovely original lyrics are much more romantic: "Where you are not, Sunlight is missing; Where you are, love dawns."
Listen to Pavarotti (You will need to scroll down and select this song.)
Macushla (Music by Dermot MacMurrough and words by Josephine Rowe.) This is another song which was highlighted in our Irish section, but since it a wonderfully classical song, it is a natural addition here. It is a remarkable piece and a tenor classic. John McCormack told Mr. MacMurrough that he most definitely could reach the high Bb which ends this song; he recorded it and made it famous. Mr. Kearns also has the range needed for this incredible song and it has a stunning ending, simply breathtaking! It can be heard on the Irish Tenors CD and video: Ellis Island. (“Macushla” is an Irish term of endearment such as My Dear or My Darling.)
E lucevan le stelle is perhaps the most moving piece of music written for the opera 'Tosca' by Giacomo Puccini, in which, from his prison cell, Cavaradossi bids farewell to both his art and his love before being executed. In this opera is also Floria Tosca's great soprano aria “Vissi d’arte.” This is a dark and brooding, ‘blood and thunder drama’ in which action takes the forefront to characterization. From the three violent opening chords, the mood is set for the horror which follows. It has even been said that the remarkable music in the torture scene makes one smell the scent of blood! Mr. Kearns introduced this incredible aria into his Solo Repertoire in his mini-winter tour of early 2003. One wonders if this role might be the perfect vehicle for Mr. Kearns in future; it is done magnificently.
My Lovely Celia is taken from an obsure Scottish air. The words are listed as anonymous, but were set to music by George Munro (1680-1731). This is a classical piece of the Baroque period, which is commonly used as a recital song in music schools and competitions
The webmaster wishes to thank Mr. Ron Jones, Miss Emily Rose Clayton, and Ms. Mary Carol Cahill for their research assistance. Their help was invaluable and is deeply appreciated.
*With thanks to Forrest Rowland.
**With thanks to Patrick Healy for this article.
***With thanks to Anthony Kearns for this information.
© Lynnette Crouse for use on The Anthony Kearns Official Website
 | ||||||
Classical Repertoire
© Anthony Kearns, March 17, 2002-2011, All Rights Reserved, All Copyright Laws Apply...lynnco.lc
