Notes on Repertoire for Fall Semester

Fussreise
Fussreise was set to music by Hugo Wolf and is featured as no. 10 in the Mörike songs with text
by Eduard Mörike. It was written in 1888 and features Adam’s journey on foot as he views
God’s creation in awe.
Lebe Wohl
Lebe Wohl is featured as song no. 36 in the Mörike leider. It was arranged by Hugo Wolf in
1888 with text by Eduard Mörike. It speaks to the angst and anguish contained in the word
“farewell”.
Ma rendi pur contento
Ma rendi pur content was composed by Vincenzo Bellini and was published in the Sei Ariette di
Camera in 1829. It was written as a tribute to Marianna Pollini who nursed him through various
illnesses. This composition speaks to the love he has for her and states that her happiness is
directly tied to his. If she is not happy he is not happy.
Semplicetto a donna credi
Semplicetto a donna credi is an aria from Alcina. This is an opera by Handel written in 1735. It
features a beautiful but dangerous enchantress who seduces every man that lands there, and
transforms them into rocks or wild animals when she has grown tired of them.
L’absent
L’absent was written by Charles Gounod in 1876. It speaks to the someone hoping the night
could update them on a lost or absent love.
Sonnet matinal
Sonnet matinal is song no. 2 from Poème d'avril by Jules Massenet. It is translated to morning
sonnet where the poet begs his love to return the frightened stars in her eyes by waking up. This
is a double entendre as this is a compliment to her beauty as well.
If With All Your Hearts
If With All Your Hearts is from the Oratorio Elijah written by Felix Mendelssohn in 1846 . It
speaks to God reassuring his people. If they truly seek him he shall be found.
Every Valley/Comfort Ye
Every Valley the aria and its recitative Comfort Ye are from Handel’s oratorio Messiah
composed in 1741. It heralds the coming of a Messiah who will comfort people from every class
and creed saving them from their sins.
Review of Price Walden’s “Hours”

Hours took place at the Ford Centre on October 2nd at 7pm. It integrated the voice
(Alice-Ann Light-mezzo soprano), piano (Price Walden) and art (painting done by
Kristy Kristinek). This was absolutely one of the greatest things I have ever
watched. I thought that Dr. Light was such an emotional artist. Her story telling
was absolutely excellent. Her voice was absolutely efficient and spun throughout
all the phrases. Price Walden complemented her in a way that was not
overpowering, but maintained the drama needed to support her. Kristy was another
layer to the performance that really brought the song cycle home. She created on
the spot art with paint, interpreting anew, what she heard from both Dr. Light and
Price Walden. It was breathtaking and I truly enjoyed what was presented visually
and aurally.

Review of Libby Larsen’s ‘The Peculiar Case of H.H Holmes’

This recital was presented by baritone Dr. Christopher Withrow and pianist Dr.
Scott Santoro. This included a prepared piano which I had never heard before. The
text is taken from the confessions of America’s first serial killer, the con artist who
terrorized Chicago during the 1893 World’s fair. There were also works presented
by American composer Debra Kaye and Finnish composer Yrjö Kilpinen. I had
never heard any piece performed with a prepared piano so I was very excited.
There were different kinds of small things like nails that were used to produce such
odd and interesting sounds. Dr. Withrow’s voice was spectacular. It was so even
and it rang from the top to the very low. Dr. Santoro’s playing equally matched the
drama required to present this setting by Libby Larsen.