Purcell: The Cold Song (What Power Art Thou) - (Neil Balfour)
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- Опубліковано 31 бер 2019
- Hull Urban Opera Collective presents Neil Balfour performing The Cold Song (What Power Art Thou) from Purcell's opera 'King Arthur.'
The audio & video in this performance was a continuous LIVE recording by artsongstory.
Director: Russell Plows
Musical Director: Benjamin Newton
Performance: Neil Balfour (www.neilbalfour.com)
Audio & Video Recording: Ben Rawles
Designer: Liz Dees & Charles Huckvale at Apus Productions
Makeup and Wigs: Venice Marshall
A beaten, abused and broken down Yeti is paraded around Hull as entertainment for onlookers to marvel and gawp at. Mid-performance the Yeti's inner-beast starts to surface and he pleads for help from the audience. It's one last attempt at breaking free. However, the power of 'the cane' returns him back into his box.
LYRICS
What power art thou, who from below
Hast made me rise unwillingly and slow
From beds of everlasting, everlasting snow
See'st thou not how stiff, how stiff and wondrous old
Far unfit to bear the bitter cold
I can scarcely move or draw my breath
Let me, let me freeze again to death
email: info@artsongstory.com
www.artsongstory.com
www.hullurbanopera.com
This is one of the best street performances I’ve ever seen! As a former singer I know how difficult it is to sing in various but I’ve never seen anyone perform crouched in a basket wearing this much faux fur risking being attacked by a dog. Free THE YETI! JUSTICE FOR THE YETI!
Thanks charpnatl! It was so unbelievably hot inside that basket. In one performance I nearly passed out!
The Hazards of Baskets LOL! I’m Very Happy you survived the experience!
Peta, youre thinking of peta, attacking on the basis of wearing fur.
there is some spoiled dum little dog barking in the audience.. All I KNOW is I must remember to exit a basket just as dramically !
Yes being crouched like that interferes with your breathing.
Your voice comes from your diaphragm.
He has excellent control.
Keep throat open, diaphram strong. A slight forward bend can actually help by not tightening the muscles & therefore space around diaphram and lungs (as opposed to ramrod straight or god forbid, slightly arched back) ensuring full fill of air.* But yeah, that basket.
* At the conservatory I was taught to inhale once and use & control the breath over 8 measures of 4/4 @ 60 on the metronome. That means using & controlling it for 32 seconds. Kids always found that skill fascinating.
That costume is terrifying and awesome.
And so fantastically simple.
If I saw this as a six year old, I would not have survived. I think Purcell would be proud of this performance.
Me every morning when I hit the snooze button on my alarm :P
ha ha !
Vocal performance, acting, costume, everything is excellent!
Thank you H Kogen 😊
All praise The Algorithm, which brought this to us.
Thanks Andrew
Amen!!
Of all who have shared their rendition of Cold by Purcell, to my mind and ear this is by far the best performance
That is really kind of you, thank you 😊
Absolutely agree😌
Try Paul Gerimon's version for deep bass. Purcell wrote this originally for bass, and Gerimon's perfomance is truly powerful. ua-cam.com/video/zGJU03SJcBg/v-deo.html
This beats any street performance I've seen. That Yeti is in fine voice, that must be one hell of a walking stick for him to so obedient.
Free the Yeti.
My blood froze in my veins. The singer's extraordinary voice, excellent performance, unsurpassed stage image. And beautiful eternal baroque music.
Derwish, that is such a lovely message. Thank you for taking the time.
Klaus Nomi's vocals are rather weak and unsupported by modern soprano castrato standards, but the song being his final public appearance before succumbing to AIDS makes it hauntingly realistic.
@@coreyhamilton53 Klaus was an actor on stage
Never heard of this song by Purcell before (yes, I am that uncultured). But now I have to listen to it several times. It is indeed marvelously rendered by Neil Balfour.
Thanks MayBudha. You're not uncultured at all. I hadn't heard the song until I performed it either!
There is a very different rendition performed by Klaus Nomi.
@@baldieman64There are other few genial performances also!
@artsongsAre you the videographer or the singer? It was an excellent vid made of a live performance under street conditions, both of which make a professional-level capture many times more difficult. and that singer was exceptional as both vocal performer and actor -- he completely sidestepped the fantasy element and subsumed himself into the tragedy of a sentient being forced to live as a wretched exhibition toy.
Once the Oscar the Grouch aspect of his emergence from that rattan cell faded, the lyrics showed his tragedy in a way that street clothes would have not been able to portray.
He took that song and SOLD it.
Except for the several-second drop out in the captions, this was an eye opening and most unexpected treat.
Klaus Nomi The cold song ❤❤❤❤❤❤. Te gustará
I've never heard a yeti sing before. And now I wonder if they all sound this good.
Amos thanks for noticing! We yeti's get such a bad rep but we're actually quite nice and we LOVE singing!
Is it weird that this is the first time opera has grabbed my attention? This is opera right? I'm not sure I find it beautiful, but I'm very much intrigued... I love it
This is certainly opera and those are lovely words to read. Thank you MrJoerT 😊
If I knew there were Yeti operas I would watch more operas.
Give an actor (singer) 2 sawhorses and a board and you've got a stage. In this case, a basket and a fabulous costume. Bloody brilliant on all counts! Bravissimo!
Plus qu’au Yéti, il me fait penser à Ithaqua, le marcheur de Vent dans Lovecraft ou alors à Proserpo mis en boîte ! La mise en scène et l’interprétation sont absolument géniales, vraiment un moment magique et tellement crédible malgré son aspect fantastique… on se prend immédiatement à croire à l’histoire qu’on nous raconte. J’aurais aimé être là pour l’applaudir en « vrai ». Félicitations. ❤
Klaus Nomi sent me here. Two beautiful renditions of the same piece. Stunning....ly Co-o-o-old an-and so-oh-oh beau-ti-ee-ee-fuh-uhl.
That is such a great comment. Tha-a-a-anks Guy!
you're right, Nomi sang this aria amazingly great!
Great song and performance. The handlers were excellent too.
Thanks James
What a wonderful way to portray the song. Kudos.
A Moliere-Yeti: there is an old movie (Moliere, 1978) Where moliere dies, the very same song was played and his look very similiar - now risen again as yeti!
I love this! It is so awesome and original! The Yeti is great. Really great theater
From ChatGPT: ""Cold Song," also known as "What Power Art Thou," is an aria from Henry Purcell's semi-opera "King Arthur," which premiered in 1691. The aria is sung by the character of the Cold Genius, who is the spirit of winter. Awakened from his slumber, he asks in astonishment what power has disturbed his rest and caused him to feel the pain of life's warmth. The lyrics express his longing to return to his peaceful, frozen state, away from the warmth that brings life and, with it, discomfort and pain. The aria is renowned for its expressive depth, capturing the spirit's struggle against the warmth that revives him."
Once heard, adopted forceternity. All renditions are glorious, this one is Top of the Mountain. Vive le baroque. Vive le Roi. The intensity of the cold warming us up, pure miracle! Merci .
Absolutely love this! This kind of artistic expression should exist everywhere
Thanks Count Axel 😊
Thank you for printing out the text of the song. Because of the way that it is sung, it is hard for the audience to understand the meaning. Yet nobody else bothers to print out the text, as you kindly have done.
Our pleasure! 👍🏽
Really entertaining performance. Love your Act and accent Dear Yetti ❤❤❤
Thanks 😊
This is so good in so many aspects! Even a miser like me would have emptied my wallet had I seen you in a street performance. You give so much to the soul, the key element of human existence! And yet many still question the relevance of art... Your life certainly has meaning and purpose!
Wow! Roddie, I think that’s the biggest compliment I’ve ever received. Thank you 🙏🙂
I would have thrown my purse at them, and gladly. Awesome music!
I only just found this, truly fantastic, how creative is this! I saw it performed this week at the National Opera Studio and can't get enough of it, I love the piece and this is perfect. Kids out with mum must have been traumatised along with small dogs. Full marks to Neil Balfour, may your talents take you far and wide, thank you.
Thank you Tim. That means a great deal 🙏🏽😊
Very strong performance and the two guys left and right had great costumes and faces.
this is me every morning.
Спасибо, спасибо вам! Это так прекрасно, что хочется плакать 😢. Я жила в детстве среди гор, недалеко были Памирские горы. В те годы было много разговоров о снежном человеке - йети, и многие его искали. И тут - ваша картинка, ваши персонажи, и я хочу плакать как ребёнок. Обнять и плакать. Такое уже не забудется, спасибо вам
I’ve only ever heard klaus nomi sing this before but this version is really impressive too!
If you liked Nomi's countertenor voice, check out Jakub Józef Orliński rendition of that, it's amazing too!
wow, that was unexpectedly profound
Thanks chrispysaid
Lovely! Simple concept and tight execution.
Thank you! 😊
Utterly magical! As compelling, in its way, as Diana Damrau's Queen of the Night. Encore!
Thank you John! 🙂
This song is already extremely vivid in the music, and when this kind of simple acting is added, the scene comes to life and instantly captures the attention.
Great job, I love this kind of presentation that opens the world of classical music to everyone.
Thanks flexprog, that is a really lovely compliment to receive. We are really passionate about Classical Music being open to all 🙏🏽
The make-up. Otherworldly.
A beautiful interpretation. Very moving.
Thank you Mj 🤗
I have been studying Purcell for some time and was delighted to find this gem, stunning piece of work, love it.
That is really lovely to hear Kevin. Thanks for taking the time to write.
A tour de force comprised of creativity, imagination and superb voice. I discovered a jewel today. Bravissimo!!
Thank you Metanoia 😊
This is the dilemma of our soul, to wake up from death or to freeze in cold.
Wow ! Just seen this thanks to a friend, my dissertation was on King Arthur this is amazing!
I keep coming back to this, wow. I never knew this song's name, just that it was "Nomi's last song", and the tragedy of Klaus makes me cry every time.
You have made it your own. This is a new song now. It does not take away from Nomi; indeed- made me look up the opera it came from and turns out I love it too! Thank you.
This needs way more views. I'm sharing ❤
Thank you 🙏🏽
So delighted to find this video on my feed! Thanks for the story of the song and reinterpretation. Very effective!
I am glad you enjoyed it 😊
Purcell était un génie, le roi Arthur, un opéra extraordinaire, l'enterrement de la reine Marie etc.. Que du bonheur 😊il faut savoir ouvrir ses oreilles et amener le son au cerveau.
I hope that the Yeti escapes in the second act to torment his captors and when they are caged themselves..he can sing Above Measure in his octave....Juno's revenge aria from Semele.
Fantastic sequel idea baritonebynight!
Fabulous concept, singing and that costume was amazing. I thought it was old father time at first! But the Yeti makes sense also. Brilliantly done with the claws the first thing to emerge! 😄😁😁😁😁😁😁.
λίγο λυπηρό για το Yeti
Utterly wonderful! I was immediately transported to watching 'The Draughtsman's Contract', circa 1983. In that film, we heard Michael Nyman using Purcell as his 'musical consultant'. Here, Purcell returns the compliment, across time - thanks to these immensely talented performers.
BRAVISSIMO! Excellent performance!! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
MAGICAL!
I love this version! Truly love it
Better than the others who are also magnificent singers.
Thank you MPaine 😊
That was friggin AMAZING!! I always found The Cold Song very haunting. It's more of the atmosphere created by it. But to apply it to the elephant man-like setting, makes it all the more cold. (no pun intended)
Thanks Djohn! We are really glad you enjoyed this so much!
this gave me real chills down my spine, you sound exactly like how i imagine a snow monster would sound like if they sang, really bone chilling!!
Thanks French Lad. I love that description!
Real art!
Que performance maravilhosa! Parabéns
This is excellent. Bravo!! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤❤
Me conmueve su voz, todos los actores, la música. Se percibe el clima frío ❤
Brilliant. Just perfectly Brilliant.
Thank you 😊
Can't believe that this music, and this performance suddenly appeared without warning on my youtube selection. Wow. I was blown away. I didn't have to be told, i got that this yeti was being paraded as some freak dancing bear. Leave him alone. FREE THE YETI. And so onto all other performing animals.
I think that is amazing! To see that on the street!?
Such a beautiful and sad song . Baroque music is just sublime . Bravo !
Klaus Nomi has competition. Excellent interpretation.
Thanks D. C. Young, that means a lot 😊
Really interesting take on it . Has the callous 19th freak show and vaudeville comic juxtaposed and I really like bass baritone goe this aria better than countertenor. David Grecos rendition is great too ..( Australian bass bariton)
Thanks Jennifer!
Surreal
Agreed! 😂
Wow, great, thanks!
WOW....! When Covid is over you should have a full production ! I would pay whatever you like to see it. FANTASTIC !
That's such a lovely and positive comment. Thank you legacyofpop!
Covid, convid you mean!
@@roslynaubrey7766 All of 'em...! Let Putin nuke it...With these guys we can re-build the world...one opera at a time...!
I would swoon on the spot. This is fantastic!!
Thank You. Thank You so much. 🌟
Thanks @dukecity7688 🙂
@@artsongstory If I could ask for one thing, it would be to sing on key. You have a giant talent. You are a hard worker. I admire that.
This is stunning. The voice is wonderful!! Thanks so much for sharing!!
Fan-tas-tic. Finally a modern interpretation I love
Thanks Nispen 😊
This is simply BRILLIANT rendition of COLD SONG!!...👍👏👏💝🌟
So brought here by the algorithm (all praise the algorithm).
This is so good.
Have watched many different versions since and this really holds it's own.
Wonderful singing and dynamic/dramatic interpretation, well done.
That was chilling
Креативненько.❤
Learned of this song, and the opera after watchjing Sting's Winter concert. This performance is just exceptional. And the interaction with the two other gentlemen really makes the scene come alive. Thank you greatly for posting this.
What an evocatory piece of (street) art.
Oh jeah the moliere one how frèezie. And moving. ❤ akon
Восхищена! Прекрасный миниспектакль: насладилась и пением и зрелищем! Спасибо.
absolutly stunning in every way!!!!!
Thank you Bianca 🤗
Extraordinaria actuación, quedo maravillada 😊😊
Gracias pyedad🙂
Superb.
Thanks Jane 🙂
I love this Gesamtkunstwerk you've created: the singing and acting, the whole interpretation as a Yeti, the costumes, the stage design, the wit.
When Purcell composed this wonderful piece of music, the world was mysterious, full of the unknown and legends were real. You brought this back a little while with your stunning performance.
I luv Purcell ofcourse .We need more imagination like this to get people into concert halls ! I only knew Dido and Aeneas i must check out this opera . there are so many choruses ,calls and other music by Purcell. Byrd is also worth checking out the experience !
I agree with all of those recommendations. Thanks! 😊
bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Это было жутко в своей правдивости в отношении недалёких людей к инаковости других(к природе)...И музыкально красиво.Равнодушным такая интерпретация Пёрселла не оставит.Точно.
Большое тебе спасибо 14!
Great comment! Worth thinking about it. Thank you.
Excellentissime on all respects.
B.I.G. B.R.A.V.O.
👍👍👍🌹🌹🌹👍👍👍
Thanks Olivier 😊
best ever voice thank you for this great performance and your voice can break walls
Che meraviglia...uno spettacolo unico!!!!
Grazie Alessandra! 😁
What a beautiful and haunting world you create, your voice and acting set the tone so incredibly! Everything is so intentional. Exquisite!
Hits it, spot on. Wish I had the skill. Bloody dreadful (literal) song. Brilliant!
That's really kind. Thanks Mac Graham 😊
Stunning, Powerful, I have tears with this performance! Auf Deutsch: Perfekt, ausgezeichnet, habe ich jetzt Tränen in Meinen Augen und Gänsehaut beide!! To say Thank You is not good enough for this work!! Vielen Dank.
Thank you Jim. That's a really lovely comment to leave. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Ja! Einfach genial! Das ist Kunst! I love it
That was mesmerising!
This performance rendered me scarcely able to move. Let alone draw my breath! WOW. This is one of the best interpretations of the piece I’ve ever watched. Great job, all around!
Thanks Magic Emperor! We're so happy you had that experience, it's what we were going for :)
Well now I know where Nyman got that melody. Go Purcell!!
That was scary as hell and funny at the same time. Poor, poor yeti.
Thanks HC Q!
Genius.
Thanks Oriel!
Wow. Thank you, so much for posting this version of the cold song, it's one of my all time Favs.
Brilliant.
Zabawne i pomysłowe
Thank you
Fantastic, Neil!!! I’ve been watching this for about a week, as I’m actually learning it now (as a tenor, though). I was listening to higher voices, but kept getting drawn back to this one. Just realised that it was you. Wonderfully effective interpretation! Keep doing well!
Thanks Melvin! I look forward to your version ☺️
@@artsongstory After it’s gone through quality control LOL
I am left wanting more, so good so very good
Thank you Saul 😊