Thomas Hampson is one of the world’s most famous baritones. His wide range of repertoire has won him enormous international critical acclaim, and this download, featuring repertoire from his own country, is beautifully and idiomatically performed.

On 9 July 2009 Hampson resumed the enthusiastically acclaimed ‘Song of America’ project he developed with the Library of Congress and introduced in the 2005 / 06 season. This season’s national celebration additionally commemorates the 250th anniversary of what is recognised to be the first song written by an ‘American’ (‘My Days Have Been So Wondrous Free’, composed in 1759 by the Philadelphian Francis Hopkinson), and included on this new recording.

Drawing on the unparalleled collection of American songs housed at the Library of Congress, Hampson will present a unique series of recitals, educational activities, exhibitions, recordings, cybercasts and interactive online resources. This download includes the cream of American song and gives listeners an ideal introduction to the history of America as told through its rich array of song.

This new download is best summed up in Thomas Hampson’s own words: ‘When we sing our own songs, when we see through the eyes of our poets and hear with the ears of our composers the diary of our land, those who hear us will experience the best of what freedom of thought and purpose can achieve in the creation of great art.’