Katherine Jenkins – Première

Katherine Jenkins – Première

Première is the debut album from Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, originally released in the UK on 5 April 2004 through Universal Classics & Jazz. The album introduced Jenkins' distinctive blend of classical repertoire, operatic vocals and traditional Welsh music, combining well-known sacred and operatic works with folk songs and contemporary crossover arrangements. The album reached No.1 on the UK Classical Albums Chart and No.31 on the UK Albums Chart.

The 14-track programme brings together pieces from several centuries of classical and traditional music. Jenkins tackles Handel's "Lascia Ch'io Pianga", Bizet's famous "Habanera" from Carmen, Giordani's "Caro Mio Ben" and Allegri's "Miserere", alongside John Rutter's "The Lord Is My Shepherd" and Caccini's "Ave Maria". The album also features arrangements of Bach's "Sweetest Love" and Erik Satie's "Absence".

Welsh heritage is an important part of Première, with traditional songs including "The Ash Grove", "Ar Lan Y Mor" and "Cwm Rhondda", as well as "Cymru Fach". These sit naturally alongside the classical repertoire, giving the album a strong Welsh identity while retaining the accessible style associated with the classical-crossover movement of the early 2000s. The Arcadian Ensemble and Arcadian Singers perform alongside Jenkins, with James Morgan conducting and Morgan Pochin and Ben Robbins responsible for production and arrangements.

The recordings were made at studios including Cavalier, Four Fives, Gateway and Dreamhouse, with the album's repertoire drawing on works ranging from traditional Welsh material and 17th-century music through to 19th-century opera and 20th-century compositions. This broad historical range makes Première an appealing introduction to Katherine Jenkins' early career and to classical crossover, operatic vocals and Welsh classical music.

Tracklist

1. Questo E Per Te – 3:38
2. Ash Grove – 3:09
3. Ave Maria – 3:00
4. Bailero – 2:50
5. Lord Is My Shepherd – 4:22
6. Ar Lan y Mor – 2:29
7. Sweetest Love – 3:57
8. Habanera – 2:47
9. Cymru Fach – 3:54
10. Caro Mio Ben – 2:14
11. Lascia Ch'io Pianga – 3:14
12. Miserere – 3:53
13. Absence – 2:59
14. Cwm Rhondda – 2:47