Contralto Eula Beal sings Bach's "Erbarme Dich"

Contralto Contralto Eula Beal sings Bach's "Erbarme Dich" as "Lord Have Mercy on Me" from the St. Matthew Passion, conducted by Antal Dorati and with Yehudi Menuhin playing the violin solos

[@DonGarnett]

Eula Beal was my mother. Married William Garnett in 1942 who became a world famous areial photographer. I hope to post more information on her in the future. Her voice is missed by all of us.

[@beachfanatic2010]

This is the most beautiful contralto voice I've ever heard, every note is a diamond, perfect legato, rich, round, velvet-like sound...her voice flows so effortlessly.

[@Runningr0se]

When the melody rose, her voice broke up sweetly, following it, in a way contralto voices have, and each change tipped out a little of her warm human magic upon the air. - The Great Gatsby

[@nudge2626]

This is the english translation if anyone is interested Have mercy, my God, for the sake of my tears! See here, before you heart and eyes weep bitterly. Have mercy, my God.

[@McPorkyCheese]

I love how she sways as she sings. Like she's literally moved by her own voice in a non-snobbish way.

[@Evilbitch666]

I think Eula Beal is one of the most beautiful contraltos of all time, it's a true shame she didn't continue her career. She's one singer i aspire to be like, so inspiring! Though I have no idea what range I am, i enjoy singing her style, it's just too beautiful!

[@3232siobhan]

This recording breaks my heart..... it's not just her exquisite voice, but the total honesty and drama of the interpretation and with Yehudi on the violin.... wonderful. Thank you.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

I also love Mr. Menuhin's performance on the violin!

[@suzannesadiiqa]

Thank Heaven we have all these great recordings of superb artists.....................and those who make the effort to download them onto KZbin. Thank You, all of you.

[@gondorado1]

Eula Beal (January 25, 1919 July 29, 2008) was an American contralto. During her relatively short touring career, she performed with distinguished collaborators not only in concert on the US West Coast but also in Concert Magic, a 1947 film billed as "the first motion picture concert." -Wikipedia

[@cirrusmike1]

I can think of nothing more beautiful on this earth than the combination of this woman,her voice,Menhuin's playing and this music,and I have been around longer than most.

[@bobzeschin]

(Continued) While raising their 3 sons, she ran the business end of his photo endeavors. "She was truly the woman behind the man," said a daughter-in-law. She continued to sing with local orchestras and choral groups, and in later life, she & Dr. G. ,who died in 2006, grew grapes for Napa Valley wineries. She said she never regretted giving up her career. Sounds like hers was a long, happy, and varied life, but, oh, the listening pleasure generations of music lovers missed out on!

[@flutair]

Großartiges Zeitdokument auf diesem Wege der Allgemeinheit zugänglich gemacht! Danke !!

[@PhillipLWilcher]

Really we have here three artists of immeasurable elegance, Beal, Menuhin and Dorati all intoning the greatest artist of all , Bach, at his most soulfully elegant. Thank you for this!

[@ixsingxtenor]

It's not surprising to me that she has a nice high register. Some contraltos have a high c. To me, what we're hearing is that her high register is extremely free. This is the result of a singer who strengthens her entire voice rather than her preference.

[@potatoskins87]

The look on her face is not blankness or boredom. It is the candid purity of a noble soul, renouncing any violent or extreme individuality, in order to become the conduit of the highest expressions of all humankind. If there is a God in heaven, and if he can hear us, then I am sure he granted her prayer.

[@dreioktaven]

This is absolutly breathtaking. She sings this Aria so effortless. Love it.

[@larrynoble288]

What a class act this is in every aspect;singing, violin playing, even the setting. Eula is wonderful! Yehudi magnificent! Stand up and applaud! How fortunate to have heard this, thank you so much. Teachers, please develop more contraltos.

[@HowardJohnstone]

This was the favourite piece of music for Yehudi Menuhin, and we all understand why, don´t we ? Eula Beaul with a very good classical interpretation of this work.

[@OlDoinyo]

An amazing set of parents indeed! I have a book of W. Garnett's photos--splendid work which I have always admired. I knew nothing of his bride until hearing this; a wonderfully connected performance.

[@janinesolheim]

I wish this was in the original German. Eula has such wonderful tone and timbre...

[@Paulkazey1]

Eula Beal had both an exquisite voice and great physical beauty. This is a very fine recital.

[@beachfanatic2010]

This contraltos middle sounds similar to Maria Callas' middle register in term of coloring and thickness.

[@tibele1000]

She was the absolute best!!!. I understand she left to raise her family. Our loss, and what a wonderful gift to her children!!

[@streetprotege]

She is so beautiful and her voice so lovely and enchanting. Love it so much. Thanks for uploading this gem .

[@acrossthelines]

I think they internalise the energy and intensity that would otherwise get lost in appearances and use it to the benefit of the music itself instead of their public image. Personnally I find both Yehudi's and Eula's facial expressions very soothing and captivating to see :-)

[@ealexbrower733]

I saw Eula Bea on a Classic Arts Showcase video 6 months ago. I was then, and still am transfixed by the beauty and power of her voice.

[@TheSmoshmy]

What a beautiful looking man was Menuhin! What a combination! Bach and Menuhin! Of course the contralto is equally wonderful!

[@CookieFavorites]

"...the candid purity of a noble soul..." You have expressed it perfectly, a most felicitous phrase. Thank you for this, it strikes right at the heart, as does this performance.

[@ansalta47]

I cannot find the words to say How I love this singing of Aria from the St. Matthew Passion!!! thanks!

[@MrSetemil]

O momento que que Pedro chora amargamente haver negado a Jesus, é algo comovente. O nos leva a perguirir o quanto de Pedro existe em muitos de nós, cristãos ou não cristãos. Bach é impressionantemente inesquecível. Excelente interpretação de Eula. E como se a dor e choro de Pedro continuasse em casa um de nós diante de nossas faltas e pecados.

[@SpogliedEsilio0]

I think her controlled facial expressions are amazing, and I'm not sure that she take pain, it seems like a natural thing for her.

[@dreamersan1]

Мне так она нравиться!.. Эула Билл - восхитительнейшая, удивительнейшая певица!.. её редкий голос и тембр - тому исключительное подтверждение!!! :)

[@iolanthela]

I have an undersized 11-month-old female kitten who just came running in here, top speed, to sniff at the speakers and look at the singing lady! ;-> She's an engaged little cat, but I've never before seen her so enthralled by *anything*. Lovely. Do we know the year this was taped? The cat has good taste.

[@HowardJohnstone]

This was the favourite piece of music for Yehudi Menuhin, or so he said. We all agree don´t we ? Eula Beal performs very well as part in the series "Concert Magic" from 1948. This is interpretation is common to most performances before the seventies.

[@florencia60]

If you are really Eula's son, I tell you that your mother was amazing. Please post something about her soon, I would be very glad.

[@monicaymariovelasque]

Imperionante voz, que hermoso que canta esa mujer, que bueno habria sido escucharla en vivo...

[@rmanzanog1]

Tempo is like heart beats from an stressed mind.

[@tibele1000]

Beautiful to hear, lovely to see. She is perfect. What a gift to see and hear her. Thank you

[@srverons]

how interesting Don. Your mother is wonderfully beautiful and her voice will live on!

[@paulostroff99]

Two of the very greatest musical artists!

[@sachmetixchel]

No sólo la belleza de su voz, la música y ella misma..también la gama cromática del video, la textura y el contraste me encantan!!!

[@lavr2010]

Thank you for this posting. It's really great. It's a real happiness not only to hear but also to see it.

[@PIPZZZ02]

Supremely moving and beautiful. Thanks for posting

[@alfonsomendez4811]

voz, violin y orquesta en equilibrio perfecto.

[@artsong2]

Awesome. This wonderful singer had everything. Thanks to whomever posted this video here!

[@daschamaeleon]

Out of reach - beyond borders - the heaven on earth. Can ´t stop my tears...Greatest performance I know

[@whatsername669]

contralto voices shiver me even ..... amazing !!!

[@Andreaseye]

Sweet, simple, pure. So beautiful.

[@user-gc7gv7un8z]

Cry heart, soul fly! Live, love, do not fade, do not become a memory! Let the music of heaven will be always with you! Плачь сердце , лети душа ! Живи , любовь , не угасай, не становись воспоминаньем ! Пусть эта музыка небес всегда с тобою будет !

[@paulostroff99]

Absolutely divine! Brava! Bravo!! TY

[@ichbineincoolcat]

My god the control and talent she has.

[@hanyuufurude13]

I like the violin just as much as the singer wooo I just love the contralto voice and I hope to have a similar tone and richness that so many others work hard at perfecting.

[@ernest671]

So beautiful, the singer is gorgeous.

[@MrJotemwu]

@violetavalery Erbarme dich, mein Gott, um meiner Zaehren willen! Schaue hier, Herz und Auge weint vor dir bitterlich. Erbarme dich, mein Gott.

[@amypermtz]

escuchandola a ella, estoy feliz de ser contralto

[@monicaymariovelasque]

Que buenoooo!!! que caudal de voz que tiene Eula...IMPRESIONA!!!!

[@XenaAmazon]

I love this. Thanks for posting. She is one of my favorite singers :) RIP Eula Beal.

[@HiperSales]

Her vibrato is very perfect, his tone is beautiful @.@

[@mezzolaurice]

Just so eloquently done. Absolutely beautiful.

[@abracadabranque]

@DonGarnett God blessed your mother for her voice and singing!Beautiful soul! Mitia.

[@gabikollau]

watching in tears .....

[@glamkitten24]

Absolutely Stunning! Such talent is rarely seen, especially today.

[@andigrim007]

Such a beautiful voice and musicality ! Thank you again for posting her. I just discovered her and look for more with her

[@luxlunna]

Uma preciosidade este vídeo... maravilha!!! Grata pela postagem!

[@vijaypush]

Bouleversant aux larmes ! Un grand merci de nous offrir cet instant de grâce.

[@tynzer]

beautiful with a stunning voice... *swoons* *sighs*

[@arvi595]

САМОЕ ЛУЧШЕЕ ИСПОЛНЕНИЕ, среди всего, что давелось услышать! Лучшая запись, даром, что такая ранняя. Поразительно!

[@SMMHELDENTENOR]

wow! what a wonderful voice, and Yehudhi playing as well...ah to have such a peer goup [not to mention Dorati]

[@ItsNowAlways]

Thank you for posting this memory of divinity. It was also nostalgic to hear the sound of the needle on the vinyl.

[@kvonribbenburg]

Shivers down my spine.

[@abracadabranque]

Très belle voix,equilibrée,une égalité de timbre sur tout le registre,tout à fait indiquée pour cet emploi.Je ne crois pas qu'elle ait chanté de l'opéra,il lui manquerait sans doute une nécessaire démesure.Vraiment très agréable!

[@vpo2g2]

A true and wonderful contralto. Listen to her phrasing.

[@Harlekinopal]

Einfach nur schön!

[@DjesVeda]

потрясающе красиво!!!

[@biswajitrcut]

Thank you very much for sharing and uploading A divine feeling... Greetings from INDIA GOD BLESS

[@francesca7564]

Magnifique document, merci beaucoup !

[@prototropo]

What a transcendant bit of performance history. I'm proud Yehudi Menuhin was from San Francisco!

[@PhillipLWilcher]

Superb in every possible way!

[@RetroJenny]

@andangeles Me too. I love the richness and warmth. I could listen to Eula Beal sing for hours.

[@Andrey.Zoege.von.Manteuffel]

Даже не языке оригинала такое звучание...... до слёз.

[@Youkali67]

Es una verdadera joya. Una maravilla.

[@MariatotalTV]

Oui, bouleversant aux larmes !

[@pelikaaann]

Das rührt die Seele an....

[@elisabeta13]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us !

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

Well I personally think both have their own inherant beauty - but the problem comes when women, who are contraltos, are forced to play "bitches, witches, or in breeches" and sopranos get to play all the feminine roles.

[@joanabanyeres]

splendid, sublime Yes she could be a contralto with the right register but with a light colour in the voice Wonderful.

[@DCFunBud]

Just perfection! So effortless and unforced! Aside from the fact, Beal was a great beauty and Menuhin was quite dashing.

[@nimroddavidpfeffer]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you.

[@bobzeschin]

Every time I saw one of these clips on Classic Arts Showcase, I wondered why this beautiful woman's warm, luscious voice wasn't as famous as Marian Anderson's or Kathleen Ferrier's. Her obituaries told the tale: After a career lasting barely a decade, she retired to full-time wifedom & motherhood. In 1942, she married William Garnett, later a professor at Berkeley, and the man who turned aerial photography into an art form. His book "Extraordinary Landscapes" is exactly that. (More)

[@ohiogal56]

@DonGarnett Please post more. I just recently (within the past couple of years) came across her. What a lustrous, vital voice she had. Exquisite!

[@mdvymdv]

Pectacular!!! muy emotiva cancion y muy buena voz.

[@gahualli]

So wonderful!!, so moving!!

[@camelbro]

Mmmm. Contralto. So magnificent.

[@camposi]

Awsome- Menuhin on violin!

[@DMO589]

Magnifique.

[@MousesInHouses]

Please do - I'd love to know more. Such honest and direct singing.

[@mariapilarfernandezlopez7349]

Maravillosa ...

[@petergraham8681]

On cable TV one morning in California 3 years ago I first heard & saw the phenomena that was Eula Beal. I had never even heard OF her & no wonder. Her career gave new meaning to the term "low-profile" & largely due to her own choices. Only Kathleen Ferrier matches her in this music & though Beal is also a real contralto, her voice moves even more easily into the upper regions. Were there much more of her to hear, plus she even looks a bit like Gene Tierney! Then here one gets Menuhin too!

[@ekadams4609]

Gorgeous! Deeply felt.