Album Notes

David Jimerson has enjoyed recognition as one of the Pacific Northwest's leading baritones. His performing credentials include work with Portland Opera, Seattle Opera, Anchorage Civic Opera, Reno Opera, Tucson Opera and Boise Opera, in many leading roles including Figaro (Rossini), Alfio, Count di Luna, Sonora, Schaunard, Papageno, and Enrico. In addition to opera work, he has been an active oratorio singer with such organizations as the Oregon Symphony, Tucson Symphony, Grand Rapids Sympnony, Vancouver Symphony, Portland Symphonic Choir and Peter Britt Festival. The repertoire he has performed in their productions includes Mozart's Requiem, Handel's Messiah, Berlioz's L'Enfance du Christ, Britten's War Requiem, Brahms' Requiem, and Vaughan-Williams' Five Mystical Songs.

Mr. Jimerson has also explored much of the great sacred literature for baritone soloist in frequent appearances with regional church, university and civic choirs. Throughout his singing career, art songs have held a special place in Mr. Jimerson's heart. Song literature is where the world's greatest poets meet great composers; the result is a profound expression of the human condition. That is what draws him to this medium.

In September of 1971, as a graduate student at the University of Arizona, Mr. Jimerson met Richard Faith. In that season he premiered the role of the King in Faith's new opera Sleeping Beauty. A life-long collaboration and friendship began. Shortly thereafter, Richard composed a sacred song, By the Waters of Babylon, for David. The inspiration for the song came from a hike in the desert. The text is from the book of Isaiah, and that song grew into a four section cantata for choir and baritone soloist.

When the idea for a recording of David's singing was conceived, it only seemed natural that David and Richard should collaborate. The two men joined forced in December of 2000 and recorded the songs heard on this CD.