Clara Butt

Dame Clara Butt was a powerhouse English contralto who dominated the classical music scene in the early 20th century. Known for her rich, velvety voice and commanding stage presence (she stood over six feet tall!), she became a beloved figure in Britain, especially for her performances of patriotic tunes like Elgar’s *Land of Hope and Glory*. Though she occasionally dipped into opera, she shined brightest in concert halls and recitals, often collaborating with her baritone husband, Kennerley Rumford. Her recordings, captured on scratchy 78 rpm records between 1909 and 1925, preserve her larger-than-life sound and dramatic flair. Knighted in 1920 for her contributions to music and wartime morale, Clara Butt remains a legendary voice of the Edwardian era.