His debut album entitled The Voice followed in May 2001, a mixture of operatic arias and covers of pop songs, topping the UK classical music charts and eventually reaching number five in the UK album charts. Later when released in the United States the album took the number one spot and made history as the first time a British artist has held both the US and UK classical number one. The album featured a duet with Cleo of girlgroup Cleopatra (band) on the song 'Someone like You'. Cleo also did a duet with Russell on his third album 'Reprise' on the song 'The Best That Love Can Be' Cleo.
Prior to the formation of Velvet Revolver, Russell Watson was asked by Slash (former guitarist of Guns n' Roses and currently in Velvet Revolver) whether he would be their singer, however he rejected; on grounds of continuing his solo career, at least for the time being.
Also in 2001, Watson sang the opening theme of Star Trek: Enterprise, "Where My Heart Will Take Me" (written by Diane Warren), originally sung by Rod Stewart for Patch Adams. The song was remixed to be more upbeat in 2003. Watson also sang it live at the Commonwealth games opening ceremony in England in 2002.
In late 2002, he released the single "Nothing Sacred - A Song For Kirsty" to raise money for the Francis House children's hospice in Didsbury, Manchester. Their campaign to raise £5 million was fronted by Kirsty Howard, a seven-year-old girl with a serious heart defect. The song reached number 17 in the UK singles chart. [2]
Watson won the Album of the Year at the Classical Brit Awards in both 2001[3] and 2002[4], also collecting Best-Selling Debut Album (2001) and Best-Selling Album (2002). He recently played Parson Nathaniel in the stage adaptation of Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds which toured the UK in early 2006.
Perhaps Watson’s most unusual collaboration to date is with former Happy Mondays singer Shaun Ryder on Watson’s first album The Voice. Ryder lends his vocals to the Freddie Mercury and Montserrat Caballé song "Barcelona".
Panis Angelicus
Russell Watson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fit panis hominum
Dat panis coelicus
Figures terminum
O res mirabilis
Manducat Dominum
Pauper, pauper
Panis Angelicus is a Latin hymn that translates to "the bread of angels." It is a Eucharistic hymn that states that the Catholic Eucharist (Communion) is the body of Christ. The song is thought to be written by Saint Thomas Aquinas in the thirteenth century. The lyrics describe the bread of heaven, which nourishes the soul and provides divine sustenance. The song speaks of the majesty of God and the amazing wonder of His love for humanity. The hymn is sung as an ode to the Holy Communion and is considered as one of the most beautiful and reverential hymns in the Catholic Church.
The opening line, "Panis angelicus, fit panis hominum," means "the bread of angels becomes the bread of mankind." The second line, "Dat panis coelicus, figuras terminum," means "The heavenly bread provides an end to symbols." The third line, "O res mirabilis, manducat Dominum," means "Oh, wondrous thing! The Lord will nourish you." The final line, "Pauper, pauper, servus et humilis," speaks to the idea that humble, poor servants can still access divine grace through the simple act of taking Communion.
Line by Line Meaning
Panis angelicus
Oh bread of angels
Fit panis hominum
That becomes bread for mankind
Dat panis coelicus
Bread from heaven
Figures terminum
Ends all symbols
O res mirabilis
Oh wonderful thing!
Manducat Dominum
Eats the Lord
Pauper, pauper
A poor man
Servus et humilis
A servant and humble
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Cesar Auguste Jean Franck, Library Arrangement
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Stephanie Lynn
Wow Beautiful voice! Russell Watson is one of my top favorite singers... I also love Bridge over troubled water by Russell Watson and Diesel. Simply stunning voices there.
Bus Driver
Have you listened to pelagias song by russel watson?my favourite along with somebody to Remember me.....try them...you will love them.😍
Shady Linton
Love Russell's voice!
Lonestarry
Mr Watson does a fine job on this classic...but no one can do it like Luciano Pavarotti - may he rest in peace.
Anne McCalla
I love this song. Josh Groban & Russell sing it so well.
Rob Hulbert
This will be the Communion hymn at my funeral. A wonderful rendition.
boltimuss
Best tenor out there!
Steve Montemurro
What a magnificent rendition...
terrafirma91
Very well done by a fine tenor voice. What language was this done in? I wished the sound equipment had been of a better quality.
Socorro Hinojosa
Latin.