Thomas Hampson's American Song; Part Four: To the Twentieth Century

St. Paul, Minn. — Thomas Hampson is on a mission this season to bring his "Song of America" tour from shore-to-shore and share with every American our rich cultural heritage.

His first concert took place in July 2009 on the banks of the Mississippi in the bluff town of Winona, part of the Minnesota Beethoven Festival.

The remarkable fourth part of this recital begins with a 20th century song of class warfare, "Richard Cory."

Thomas Hampson hosts his own concert bringing us through the kaleidoscope of colors including a setting of words by an Omaha Indian as well as Rudyard Kipling.

Loud ovations called Hampson and Rutenberg back to the stage twice for a pair of songs that tapped into America's heritage--river life. Haunting performances of Shenandoah and the Boatmen's Dance seemed especially apt farewells to fans returning home just a stone's throw away from the Mississippi.

Listen to Part Four by clicking to your right.

To the Twentieth Century:

John Duke - Richard Cory

Charles Ives - Charlie Rutledge

Arthur Farwell - Song of the Deathless Voice

Sidney Homer - General William Booth

Walter Damrosch - Danny Deever

American folksong - Shenandoah

Aaron Copland - The Boatman

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This recital was recorded by Cameron Wiley at Somsen Auditorium in Winona on July 9, 2009.

Guests

• Thomas Hampson: American baritone Thomas Hampson enjoys a singular career as a recitalist, opera singer and recording artist, and maintains an active interest in teaching, music research and technology. He has performed in all of the world's most important concert halls and opera houses with many of today's most renowned singers, pianists, conductors and orchestras; he is one of the most respected, innovative and sought-after soloists performing today. With his ongoing "Song of America" project he is considered the "ambassador" of American song.
• Craig Rutenberg: Pianist Craig Rutenberg has worked at many of the great opera houses, accompanying Frederica von Stade, Erie Mills, Sumi Jo, Olaf Bar, Stanford Olsen, Roberta Peters, and Regina Crespin. Mr. Rutenberg can be heard on the fortepiano on the recording of 'Le Nozze di Figaro' featuring Thomas Hampson as the Count and has recorded songs to texts by Walt Whitman with Mr. Hampson for Angel/EMI.