your comments
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Tony Watson, Invercargil, New Zealand
I have several cassettes of Stuart, gathered over the years. Myself and my wife love, best of all, his singing of hymns of praise either in English or ideally, Welsh.. The 'language of Heaven' adds a beauty to the words.. Hwyl fawr...Tony Watson, English by birth, Welsh by inclination!
Ted Lampert, Penarth ex Cilfynydd
It is wonderful to read the high praise for Stuart Burrows. My own precious memory is of him singing in Moriah Chapel in Cilfynydd accompanied by John Constable. An unforgettable experience. I saw him briefly on TV this week in the programme about David Lloyd, another fine Welsh tenor, and some of the songs I first heard on Stuart's recording "Great Welsh Songs" were included in the programme. My copy of this record is in a bad condition and I would very much like to obtain a good copy LP or CD if this is possible. If anyone can help I would be grateful.
Cecilia Hayes, London
I am lucky enough to have the BBC recording of Stuart Burrows Sings, but it is not a very good copy. Oh, how I'd love it on a DVD. If that is possible, please let me know where I can get it. I would like to echo the requests for the TV shows to be shown again and released on DVD. Please BBC or any other channel out there, bring back the Stuart Burrows shows and any others like them.
Jean Northwood of Cambs
I am trying to fing a CD on which Stuart is singing "you are my hearts delight" and others - can you please help?
Colin Matthews from Graig-y-Rhacca
I sing opera arias everyday thanks to one man - Stuart Burrows. Unlike 'sir', as he was known to his little guinea pigs in Bargoed South Junior school choir, I never got to the Met but in the shower I am pretty damn good, all thanks to the man whose teaching and example led me to sing in singing groups for most of my life. I will always remember his passion if not fury and tenderness the next minute which so clearly came out in his ability to perform roles demanding extremes of emotion and delivery. My favourites are Dies Bilnis.... and Araf y don..Duw there's passion for ew. God bless him and don't bother giving him a knighthood - just send him to the Lords so he could become Lord Ponty.
Francis, USA but working in UK
I think Stuart Burrows probably had one of the most successful operatic careers in his day and also had the added success of TV and concert work around the world. I got to see him perform in San Fransisco and he was simply wonderful. He also had time for all his fans. Do people really think knighthoods are still the thing to have in the UK? Very strange. Mr Burrows doesn't need one of those to be seen as an achiever. His many, many recordings are his legacy. What a voice!
Terence Kelly, London
I'm intrigued and delighted to find my own view of the wonderful singing of Stuart Burrows so widely shared around the world. I recall being mesmerised many years ago when hearing him sing The Holy City, Sullivan's The Lost Chord and others. I was captivated by the charm, warmth and clarity of his voice and the unforced breadth of his vocal range. At the time I wondered why he didn't receive far wider recognition in the media - even given the sadly growing philistinian nature of our society. I'm now greatly heartened to find I'm not alone in feeling indignant at this failure to acknowledge his remarkable talent, both with more media coverage of his singing and and the national honours which are his rightful due.It's time the BBNP - Blair and Brown's New Party - woke up to the genuine talent we have produced when distributing honours rather than consider mediocre so-called celebrities and ghastly politicians. Sincere thanks Stuart for the pleasure your singing has given me over many years.
Allan Jones, Bargoed
I had the honour of being one of Stuart Burrows' junior school pupils before he took up opera singing professionally; an experience that has lived with me throughout my lifetime.
Ian Duncan, Amersham, Bucks
I would just like to echo the requests for his television shows to be shown again or released on DVDs etc.
Irene Rees, Merthyr Tydfil
I've just discovered the Stuart Burrows site and can only reiterate comments made by others. It would be a treat if the BBC would replay Stuart Burrows programmes. A great change from some of the rubbish put out today, and no doubt costing vast sums to prepare and televise.
Therese Palmer, Waterford, Ireland
Stuart Burrows, what a superb voice no matter what he sings. An admirer for years, he honoured us in these parts, singing in a cathedral, captivating all who heard him. Sending request for repeats of his programmes to bbc
Albert Pols from Amsterdam
What a fine Mozart singer he is. Just as the other commentators, come on BBC, release Stuart Burrows Sings. I would be the first to watch it. At last I would say: Wales should be proud to have such a wonderful voice and fine gentleman.
David Keith Jones, Milton Keynes
In response to Clive Rice: Stuart taught my brother Colin Jones at Bargoed Junior Boys' School circa 1955 and often sang to the boys. Both Colin and I were great fans of Stuart and much moved by his TV Boheme in 1966. After graduation Colin joined the Welsh National Opera. When I was Director of Opera Cameo in St Albans circa 1972 my Producer was William Bowen from Cilfynydd who was a good friend of Stuart. Clive mentioned WG Williams who was headmaster during Stuart's teaching time in Bargoed. His son Prof Phil Williams told me that when WGW died, Stuart cancelled a performance in San Francisco to attend the funeral. SB - great artist and great man.
Rob Pollock, Tasmania, Australia
Decca has released a wonderful 6 CD set of Stuart Burrows - songs, ballads, lieder, sacred songs and opera and operetta arias. Now, hopefully the BBC might release on DVD, perhaps with some added documentary material, the television series of this widely, and justly admired artist.
Dot, Cornwall
The fact that Stuart Burrows has not been recognised in any honours list makes me think that the man just does not court such gestures. Somehow he comes across as a lovely human being, great talent and above all else someone who is proud to be Welsh. His legacy is the marvellous music he has recorded. Mr Stuart Burrows, you are above all honours. Thank you for the wonderful recordings.
John Roberts, St Asaph
Having seen Stuart Burrows in concert in Llandudno during a series of performances he made on his farewell tour, I can concur with all the previous sentiments. Here was a performer who had the unique gift of communicating to each individual member od the audience. His voice was peerless and like all great performers he was possessed of a truly remarkable qaulity of tone, unsurpassed by any British tenor since his retirement. It is also true that he is deserving of a higher accolade. His contribution to classical singing here and abroad is alone worthy of merit. Ask Colin Davis, that great international conductor, and he will acknowledge that Stuart was the finest Mozartian interpreter and exponent of his day. From the responses on his website, it is patently clear that Stuart has enormous support, not only in Britain but internationally. Let us campaign, on his behalf, for national recognition. Consider the so called talents who receive disproportionate plaudits on TV & radio today. His talent shone like a beacon when he was in his prime and he would outshine most of the mediocre talent at our disposal, even now! Let's hear it for Stuart!
Dean Powell from Llantrisant
The fact that Stuart Burrows has not been recognised for his massive contribution to the world of music is an absolute sin. The King of Mozart, The Greatest Lyric Tenor of His Generation, call him by whatever plaudits you wish. I'll always think of him as one of the nicest, most sincere, caring and kind gentlemen I've ever met. Few people realise his massive contribution - even today - for many charities. His neighbour, Sir Geraint Evans was knighted. Born a few miles away was Tom Jones - also knighted. As for Stuart? Nothing at all. He's too much of a gentleman to really care about such honours and often shrugs at me when I question him why he hasn't been recognised for his contribution. But I think it's about time those people who draw up the Honours take a good look at who REALLY deserve it. By the way, if you fancy a good cry, listen to his performance of Mary of Argyll. Breathtaking.
Chris Wilson, Kent
One of the best tenor voices of the world. Can I get a recording of Stuart Burrows singing La Traviata/Madame Butterfly?
Christine Trevett, Llantrisant
I first heard Stuart Burrows when I was 15, a singing student and part of a school choir which was performing 'Messiah'. He was then a schoolteacher. At the first 'Comfort ye' I was mesmerised. He got better and better. He should indeed be Sir Stuart.
Anne Lethaby
Sheena - You will find Start singing The Star Of Bethlehem on his C.D "The World Of Favourite Ballads" issued by Decca your local record store should be able to get it for you.
Mary
Contact Stuart Burrows website and you will always get an answer.I do believe he has recorded the star of Bethlehem. Hope this helps Sheena.
Sheena Stoddart, Scottish Borders
Can you please tell me if Stuart recorded Star of Bethlehem and if so how to obtain it. Thank you.
Anne Lethaby from Bristol
I can only reiterate the above eulogies. I first heard Stuart's voice over my car radio in 1966 and was instantly captivated. During the years of the
BBC "golden" era one could look forward to some unforgettable music programmes on BBC-TV and I can well remember back in 1967 cancelling a weekend trip to stay at home to watch RIGOLETTO, which had Stuart singing a glorious Duke of Mantua with a magnificent Peter Glossop in the title role. Back in the 1970s I purchased a reel-to-reel tape and used to hold the microphone to the TV and record his shows, which I later transferred to audio tape and still later onto CD. From 1979 until 1986 there was the special pleasure of the STUART BURROWS SINGS programmes televised by BBC-Wales and in 1984 I invested in a Video Recorder solely with a view to recording Stuart's future telecasts and so can still enjoy those magical Sunday evenings with Stuart and the wonderful ladies who were his guests, not forgetting a very young Aled Jones. And fortunately I do have just about everything Stuart has ever recorded.
I can assure the powers that be at the BBC that I would be more than happy to pay twice the current licence fee only to view those programmes again. We are constantly being told of the prohibitive costs involved in putting on music programmes, but surely that cannot be an issue here. Despite the popularity of these programmes, the shows were screened only once and I am sure I am just one of Stuart's thousands of fans who are waiting for a chance to view them again This wonderful singer with his mellifulous tenor voice deserves much more recognition than he has received and I was glad to read the letters praising Stuart in the recent editions of Classic FM.
Please, please BBC! I'm hooked on Mr Burrows! How about a Christmas fix?
David Tuck from Vancouver
To me, Stuart is the greatest tenor ever to have come from the British Isles. Regarding his singing of Mozart - he has no peers, and critics rave about John McCormack's singing of the aria il mio tesoro, but Burrows' recording of this aria is unsurpassed. No wonder he was regarded as the best singer of Mozart during his career. Apart from his beautiful voice, he is a very kind and generous man. It is a great shame he has not been knighted for his service and dedication to art.
Patricia Smith, Scunthorpe, Lincolnshire
I have always enjoyed Stuart Burrows' lovely voice and treasure the many LP's I still have of his singing. I must now get his work on CD or DVD - yes, it would be wonderful to ee his TV broadcasts could be issued on DVD? What an unforgettable voice of great beauty and sincerity!
Bernard Morris, Nantyglo
It is sad seeing people claim that so and so was the greatest, but when it comes to Victorian and Edwardian ballads Stuart had no peer. I failed to get a seat at his sold out performance in Faust at Covent garden with Te Kanawa and Treigle, such was his popularity, but I have an extensive collection of his work. If I remember correctly he was in a BBC TV Boheme about the same time that Charles Craig did Pagliacci. Let us not forget that we also produced Mostyn Thomas and Arthur Fear, two sensational baritones.
Margaret Zier, Newport
A great musical craftsman who never disappointed. He has not been given the public recognition he deserves.
Angie Jones from Abergele
Stuart Burrows was a good singer but certinly he was not better than Richard Tauber. Tauber was the greatest singer ever. No-one else sang with such heart.
Kimberley Case from Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
A wonderful voice and a superb Mozartian.
Raymond R. Mecia from West Moors, Dorset
Stuart Burrows is one of my favourites in an extensive collection of great voices that I have.
The fact that he hasn't been knighted doesn't upset me too much, because, when I see some of the new names in the Queen's honours list each year I question the worth of such an honour eg people get knighted for selling us junk food.
Robert Scott-Puttock
Being a lover of the tenor voice and listening to most of the "greats" who recorded, I have always enjoyed the singing of Stuart Burrows and would rate him among the very best of the "musical craftsmen" ... the likes of Nicolai Gedda, Richard Tauber, Placido Domingo etc. A true master of his art. Never a television watcher, I always made an exception when the Stuart Burrows show was on, bringing taste and artistry to a World already given to the hysterical worship of mediocrity. I truly hope he is enjoying his retirement, if indeed he has retired. If my memory serves me correctly was he not in a television production of Carmen around the 1960s?? Doubtless someone will know!
Anyway, a great artist !!
David Harcombe, Llandeilo
It is a disgrace that Stuart Burrows has not been knighted and it is an even bigger disgrace that he was not included in the first nominations for Wales Hall of Fame when the Millenium building was opened in Cardiff last year. It's time these failings were corrected, time the man was given the overdue honour he richly deserves. Is it not possible for his recording company to issue a compilation set of his recordings over the years?
E. Regan, Preston, Lancs.
Introduced to Mr Burrows voice by my father Clifford who is 99 next birthday.In his lifetime he has heard many of the "Great" voices.He says, without hesitation, "Stuart Burrows is The Best". I AGREE. Eddie Regan.
Elaine Naylor Bollington Cheshire
I love Stuart Burrows to bits. There is nobody like him. Why can't we hear more of him on the TV or radio? His voice and interpretation is unique. I would take 7 of his recordings on a desert island and would wallow in the supremacy of his voice and sensitive interpretions.
Jeff. USA
You can say that again Peter!!
Peter Bull, Bristol
A wonderful voice and, by all accounts , a very nice person. Why has this man not been knighted for his services to music and his contribution to the culture of the UK?
Frank Pritchard from Leek
I've tried time and again to get the BBC to release the wonderful TV shows 'Stuart Burrows Sings' (screened in the mid 80s) on video so all his many fans can enjoy them, but all to no avail! What's the matter with people?
Lisel Koch-Judge from Boca Raton, Fl, USA
My Father (Alfred Koch) and his wife (Anni Koch), both deceased, lived in Cardiff and were extremely instrumental (coaching etc.) in Stuart's career. Stuart's son inherited all my father's music and records. Having met him, I remember him fondly as a marvellous tenor and charming person.
Eric Chapman from Lincoln
Just listen to Burrows singing on the VHS taped performance of "Gerontius". Superb!
Graham Bower from Wolverhampton
Why is the BBC not listening to what people want. I refer of course to the Series 'Stuart Burrows Sings' (1982 - 1986)this was an absolute gem, and yet you have kept it off our screens for years. We never seem to get a proper answer as to why this is. We constantly get repeats of many other programs, but not alowed to enjoy this truly wonderful voice. Please put this series on again . . . you will make many, MANY people very happy indeed!
Thanks.
Donald Knox-Richards
Stuart Burrows used to be on television years ago. Where is he now? Has he retired? Is he still alive? If so, what is he doing now, and why do we not hear much about him, if at all?
Anon
Absolutely superb singer - why the dickens can't you put on more programmes like his instead of the stuff the kids like which pervades a lot of the programmes and bores serious music lovers
to death!!
Malcolm Burnell, Ynysybwl
Stuart's reputation as the finest Mozartian tenor of his generation is assured. I would rate him as better than earlier "greats" - McCormack, Tauber etc. He is also a master of Lieder, Ballads, Operetta; all sung with a beautiful line, excellent diction & feeling for words. All this combined with a generous and modest personality make him a very special person. THANK YOU.
Fitzpatrick Family from Cilfynydd
A virtual voice blessed by God. No matter where Stuart would sing - from the top of a doubledecker, as a young man on the way to school, or on the grandest stage known, he mesmerized all of us. Hard to amaze your friends but he did. The epitome of a gentleman. In our hearts and memories is a young man with a heart of gold, and yes the charm that even then he possessed. We are so very proud of him and so blessed to have grown up with him and call him friend. You have made us proud Stuart and thank you for singing to all of us. You are always in our prayers. Love Maureen and Betty xox
Sally Nicholls from Exeter
One of the most beautiful voices ever heard. Clear as crystal. A wonderful performer and a generous and kind hearted man.Stuart Burrows was, and still is, admired by not only the public but also the people he worked with all over the world - never heard anything but praise for this man.
Thank goodness for his many recordings, not only opera but also ballads and operetta. We miss the television programmes he made which were wonderful.
Clive Rice in Worthing, West Sussex
Stuart Burrows was a school teacher in the junior school in Park Crescent, Bargoed, in the mid to late 1950s; the headmaster of the school at the time was the late Phil Williamss father. I think whilst teaching there Mr Burrows used to do radio broadcasts to schools.
What's your opinion of Stuart Burrows?
Requests for repeats of his programmes should be sent to feedback.wales@bbc co.uk
Renowned operatic tenor
