How many of the original songs survive intact from the slave cabins? Probably not many in their original form. Time has transformed them like light in a prism. What we hope to present is a version of those spirituals, and… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share Image
I bring my classical training - some of it, but not all of it - and also my background and culture, to spirituals. And… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
In spirituals, the talk of heaven and deliverance was code for a better life. 'Crossing the River Jordan' was code, of course, for escaping… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
I hear music that comes out of need, out of grief, sorrow, suffering and out of overcoming these things, as well. That journey to… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
Wynton and Christopher were really great experiences for me because they are both very gifted artists. — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
I sing what I sing. And that's recitals and orchestra concerts. To appease - no, that's not the right word - let's say to… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
The question is not... if art is enough to fulfill my life, but if I am true to the path I have set for… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
I'm a consumer as well as a performer. Among my leisure-time activities is going to the theater. I'm very interested in that. — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
When I do concerts and recitals, the two most common requests are spirituals and opera. — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
Some of the things that have been the most meaningful to me have been experiences I've shared with my family. — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
Wherever and whenever I sing, if there is only one spiritual on a program, people will talk about two things afterward, and one of… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
From the spiritual came the blues, gospel, and rhythm-and-blues. I heard all of that music growing up, and that has influenced how I approached… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
New York is a great place to be fed in the arts. The arts in general are a large part of my life. The… — Kathleen Battle Copy Share
