Graduate recital in Voice

Includes recorded audio files in WAV and MP3 formats, 41:17 in length.This program presented many technical and vocal challenges for the recitalist. The greatest task, however, was that of dramatic intent. Five languages are represented: Italian, German, French, Spanish and English. The Baroque, Romantic, and late Romantic periods are covered in the first part of the program, while the second half of the recital is devoted entirely to the music of 20th century composers. The recital program opens with two selections from Venetian composers of the Baroque era. Composer Antonio Lotti wrote about 30 operas. The origin of the sensual aria, pur Dicesti, O Bocca Bella, however, is unknown. Lotti???s use of delicate legato melismatic passages paint the text most effectively. Also of an unknown origin is the aria Il Mio Bel Foco by the highly respected composer Benedetto Marcello. Of special interest in the modern version of this composition is the juxtaposition of styles of different musical periods. In the 19th century, the piece was altered by editors who saw fit to contaminate Baroque purity and reservedness by the insertion of bombastic piano interludes, which were in the style of the late 1800s. Ironically, this treatment works well to color the text with the same fire (???foco???) and intensity that is inherent in the original poetic idea. Gustav Mahler???s works may be divided into three categories songs, song- cycles and symphonies. These are not clear-cut divisions, and there is much overlap between them. Mahler???s orchestral songs were known as Des Knaben Wunderhorn, three pieces from which are presented in this recital. These folk-like songs are called ???orchestral??? because each melody, originally scored for voice and piano, would ultimately be (or was later planned to be) utilized by the composer in full orchestral setting. (See more in text.