[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 123 (Thursday, September 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1684]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO KATHLEEN BATTLE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOHN LEWIS

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 20, 2001

  Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow colleagues in the 
Congressional Black Caucus to salute and pay tribute to Kathleen 
Battle, a lyrical legend whose contribution to the spirit of music is 
beyond measure.
  In classic, poetic soprano, Kathleen Battle has captivated millions 
through her performances around the world. The purity and projection of 
her voice has earned her broad acclaim as one of the premier vocalists 
of all time. Her range travels through the era of Baroque and into the 
realm of folk and contemporary jazz.
  Kathleen Battle has distinguished herself as one of the finest 
interpreters of Mozart, Rossini and Donizetti. Her performances are 
often described as ``spellbinding'' or ``euphoric'' as she takes 
listeners to the seat of her own soul, refusing to return them until 
the last chord.
  Kathleen Battle's melodic, mesmorizing voice has been featured with 
the world's most acclaimed orchestras and conductors including Levine, 
Solti, Ozawa, Previn and Maazell. She is a frequent guest at the 
festivals of Salzburg, Ravinia and Tanglewood, and has toured 
extensively in recital across the United States, Canada, Europe and the 
Far East. She performs regularly at the Metropolitan Opera in New York 
as well as at the opera houses of Vienna, Paris, San Francisco, Chicago 
and the Royal Opera House Covent Garden.
  Appearing in concert and recording with some of the world's most 
renowned musicians, including violinist Itzhak Perlman, flutist Jean-
Pierre Rampal, and tenors Luciano Pavarotti and Placido Domingo, 
Kathleen Battle is a brilliant collaborative artist and favorite among 
the best of the best. Hers is a language of passion . . . raw emotion 
on stage that cannot be paralleled.
  Keen musical sensitivity and introspective interpretation have won 
Kathleen Battle three Grammy Awards. She is truly one of the most 
distinguished recording artists of all time, having released complete 
opera, concert, choral and solo recital albums.
  Kathleen Battle has left an indelible imprint on the hearts of her 
fans and the souls of musicians to come. Today, we honor this great 
American, but the legacy of her music will live forever.

                          ____________________