http://www.npr.org/blogs/deceptivecadence/2011/04/25/135703102/composer-peter-lieberson-dies-at-64 When I was researching Andre Previn for my doctoral dissertation over ten years ago I was led on a journey to unexpected places. Previn led me to his extended song “The Giraffes Go To Hamburg” and ultimately to the novel Out of Africa, the work from which the text is excerpted. Previn led me to Hollywood and to Mia Farrow and then to Rosemary’s Baby – which led me to Woody Allen Films. I learned that composer Peter Lieberson died this week and I realize that I never would have listened to his Neruda Songs had it not been for his second wife, mezzo-soprano…
Scribe, Singer & Scholar
From April, 2011
Victor Borge Funnies
http://youtu.be/rczpLa8wuhA If you love opera and have never seen Victor Borge’s trademark schtick performing “Caro nome” with soprano Marian Mulvey you’re missing out. For today though, I’m posting Borge’s variations on “Happy Birthday” in honor of my dad who will be celebrating his 68th birthday tomorrow.
Spoleto Festival USA Box Office Opens Today
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/classical/reviews/emilie-opra-national-de-lyon-lyon-france-1917293.html The American counterpart to the Festival dei Due Mondi in Italy takes place every year in Charleston, SC. This year the opera offerings include Mozart’s Die Zauberflote, Menotti’s The Medium, and a newer opera by Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho called Emilie. (Lyon 2010 review above) Émilie Kaija Saariaho, Composer Amin Maalouf, Librettist American Premiere Venue: Memminger Auditorium Price: Price: $25 – $80 Description: Émilie du Châtelet was larger than life: lover of Voltaire, among others; esteemed physicist who first defined kinetic energy; respected mathematician and translator of Newton’s Principia Mathematica; author of a treatise on the happiness of women; inventor…
Atlanta Opera review: Mozart’s “Così fan tutte” and the joys of lovely young singers
http://www.artscriticatl.com/2011/04/atlanta-opera-review-mozarts-cosi-fan-tutte-and-the-joys-of-lovely-young-singers/
Lee Hoiby – “Where the Music Comes From”
American opera and song composer Lee Hoiby passed away this week. He wrote both the music and text to a song that I have performed in recital and find very inspiring. It’s strophic and straightforward, but profound in its song form. You can find it on a recording called “Continual Conversation with a Silent Man.” (baritone Peter Stewart and accompanied by the composer) Where the Music Comes From – Lee Hoiby (1973) I want to be where the music comes from, Where the clock stops, where it’s now. I want to be with the friends around me, Who have…
