Aurorah Cerros
Thursday March 28 2024
5:00 pm
With Anna Hakobyan
Aurorah Cerros, Mezzo-Soprano
Anna Hakobyan, Piano Program
Spirate pur, spirate…………………………………………………………………………Stefano Donaudy (1879-1925)
Come raggio di sol……………………………………………………………………………Antonio Caldara (1670-1736)
Verdi Prati…………………………………………………………………………….George Frideric Handel (1685-1759)
L’Enigme Eternelle……………………………………………………………………………..Maurice Ravel (1875-1937)
Der tod, Das ist die kühle nacht………………………………………………………Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Nachtgang………………………………………………………………………………………..Richard Strauss (1864-1949)
Oh, Glory!.........................................................................................................Hall Johnson (1888-1970)
Where the Music Comes From……………………………………………………………………Lee Hoiby (1926-2011)
Spirate pur, Spirate-Stefano Donaudy
"Spirate pur, Spirate" is a famous Italian art song composed by Stefano Donaudy, usually sung by tenors. The title means "Breathe softly, breathe," creating a gentle mood. The lyrics describe a quiet moment between lovers, where one gently encourages the other to breathe softly, showing closeness and peace. Donaudy's music matches the lyrics' emotion, with a flowing melody and subtle accompaniment. The song gradually intensifies, reflecting the growing passion and longing between the lovers. "Spirate pur, spirate" beautifully captures the intimacy and depth of romantic love.
Stefano Donaudy (1879–1925) was an Italian composer known primarily for his contributions to vocal music, particularly art songs. Born in Palermo, Italy, Donaudy displayed a remarkable talent for music from a young age. He studied at the Naples Conservatory, where he honed his skills as a composer and pianist. Donaudy's compositions are characterized by their lyrical melodies and expressive harmonies, often drawing inspiration from Italian folk music and bel canto traditions. He is best known for his collection of art songs, which showcase his ability to capture the nuances of human emotion through music and poetry. Despite his considerable talent and early success, Donaudy's life was marked by tragedy and hardship. He struggled with health issues and financial difficulties throughout his life, and his career was cut short by his untimely death at the age of 46.
Spirate pur, spirate attorno a lo mio bene
Breathe still breathe around my beloved Aurette, e v'accertate
Little breezes, and find out S'ella nel cor mi tiene
If she holds me in her heart Spirate, spirate pur, aurette!
If she holds me in her heart Se nel suo cor mi tiene, v'accertate
Find out blesses, breezes Aure beate, aure lievi e beate!
Come Raggio Di Sol-Antonio Caldara
Breezes light and blessed
The song "Come raggio di sol," meaning "Like a ray of sunshine" in English, portrays romantic themes. Its lyrics, by an unknown author, express deep admiration and love for someone special. The comparison to sunlight evokes warmth and joy, highlighting the intensity of romantic feelings. Caldara's music complements the lyrics perfectly. The melody flows smoothly, harmonies add depth, and the accompaniment supports the singer. Throughout, Caldara uses various techniques to convey emotions, from tender moments to passionate peaks, creating a moving experience for listeners.
Antonio Caldara (c. 1670–1736) was an Italian composer during the Baroque era. Born in Venice, Caldara spent much of his career working in various European courts, including those of Mantua, Rome, and Vienna. He was highly regarded for his compositions, particularly his contributions to vocal and instrumental music. Caldara's output includes numerous operas, cantatas, oratorios, and instrumental works, showcasing his mastery of Baroque musical forms. He was known for his richly expressive melodies, intricate counterpoint, and innovative harmonic techniques.
Come raggio di sol mite e sereno
Like the mild, serene ray of the sun, sovra placidi flutti si riposa resting on peaceful waves, mentre del mare nel profondo seno while in the deep bosom of the sea sta la tempesta ascosa. the storm lies hidden,
Così riso talor gaio e pacato thus a cheerful, calm laughter, di contento, di gioia un labbro infiora, may make the mouth bloom with happiness mentre nel suo segreto il cor piagato while the sore heart secretly s'angoscia e si martora. tortures and torments itself.
Verdi Prati- George Frideric Handel
"Verdi prati" is a popular aria from George Frideric Handel's opera "Alcina," which premiered in 1735. It's sung by the character Ruggiero, a knight, who reflects on his conflicting emotions while on the enchanting island of the sorceress Alcina. The title means "Green meadows" in English, describing the peaceful surroundings. Ruggiero admires the beauty of the island but struggles with his love for Alcina and his loyalty to his partner, Bradamante. Handel's music captures Ruggiero's inner turmoil with graceful melodies and expressive harmonies. As the aria progresses, Ruggiero becomes increasingly captivated by Alcina's charms, reflecting his emotional vulnerability.
George Frideric Handel (1685–1759) was a German-born composer who became one of the most important figures in Baroque music and one of the greatest composers of his time. He is best known for his operas, oratorios, and instrumental compositions. Handel was born in Halle, Germany, but spent much of his career in London, England. He achieved great success and acclaim in London's musical scene, where he composed numerous operas, oratorios, and other vocal and instrumental works. Handel's operas, such as "Giulio Cesare" and "Rinaldo," were highly popular during his lifetime and continue to be performed today.
Verdi prati, selve amene,
Green meadows, pleasant woods, perderete la beltà.
You will lose your beauty, Vaghi fior, correnti rivi, Pretty flowers, flowing waters, la vaghezza, la bellezza, your beauty will quickly change. presto in voi si cangerà.
Green meadows, pleasant woods, Versi prati, selve amene, You will lose your beauty. perderete la beltà. And when the beloved vision will fade, E cangiato il vago oggetto, everything will change all'orror del primo aspetto into the former horrible appearance. tutto in voi ritornerà.
L’Enigme Eternelle-Maurice Ravel
"L'énigme éternelle" (The Eternal Enigma) is a song composed by Maurice Ravel as part of his song cycle "Histoires naturelles" (Natural Histories), written in 1906. Ravel composed the music, while the lyrics were provided by Jules Renard, a French author known for his observations of the natural world. The song cycle "Histoires naturelles" consists of five songs, each depicting a different aspect of the animal kingdom. "L'énigme éternelle" is the fourth song in the cycle and focuses on the behavior of the swan. The lyrics of "L'énigme éternelle" paint a picture of the swan's serene and graceful presence on the water, contrasting with its mysterious and elusive nature. Renard's text captures the swan's silent elegance and hints at the deeper mysteries hidden beneath its serene exterior. Throughout the song, Ravel employs various musical techniques to convey the sense of mystery and intrigue surrounding the swan. The music mirrors the swan's elusive nature and hints at the deeper mysteries of the natural world.
Maurice Ravel (1875–1937) was a French composer known for his richly textured and evocative compositions, which spanned a wide range of genres, including orchestral, chamber, piano, and vocal music. Born in Ciboure, France, Ravel demonstrated exceptional musical talent from a young age and studied composition at the Paris Conservatoire. Some of Ravel's most famous works include the orchestral piece "Boléro," the piano suite "Gaspard de la nuit," the ballet "Daphnis et Chloé," and the piano concerto in G major. He also composed a number of art songs, including the song cycle "Histoires naturelles," which features "L'énigme éternelle" among its songs.
Frägt die Velt die alte Casche
Tra la tra la la la la
World you question us
Tra la Tra la la la la Ent fernt men
Tra la la…
Un as men will kennen sagen
The answer comes
Tra la la…
If you cannot be answered
Tra la la Tra la la..
Frägt die Velt die alte Casche World you question us
Tra la la… Tra la la…
Der Tod, Das ist die kühle nacht- Johannes Brahms
"Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht" (Death, That Is the Cool Night) is a German art song composed by Johannes Brahms. The song is about death and its peaceful nature, portraying death as a release from earthly suffering and a journey into tranquility. It reflects on the idea of death as a restful sleep, where one finds peace and solace after life's struggles. It's a contemplative piece that delves into themes of mortality, acceptance, and the cyclical nature of life and death.
Johannes Brahms was a renowned German composer and pianist of the Romantic era, born on May 7, 1833, in Hamburg, Germany, and passing away on April 3, 1897, in Vienna, Austria. He is celebrated for his mastery of classical forms and profound emotional expression within them.
Brahms displayed musical talent at an early age, learning piano and violin as a child. He began composing and performing in public during his youth. Although he received some formal musical education, much of his development as a composer was self-directed.
Der Tod, das ist die kühle Nacht, Death is cool night, Das Leben ist der schwüle Tag. Life is sultry day.
Es dunkelt schon, mich schläfert, Dusk falls now, I feel drowsy, Der Tag hat mich müd gemacht. The day has wearied me.
Über mein Bett erhebt sich ein Baum, Over my bed rises a tree, Drin singt die junge Nachtigall; In which the young nightingale sings; Sie singt von lauter Liebe, She sings of nothing but love, Ich hör es sogar im Traum. I hear it even in my dreams.
Nachtgang- Richard Strauss
"Nachtgang" is a song composed by Richard Strauss in 1884, with words by Adolf Friedrich, Freiherr von Schack. It displays a peaceful nighttime walk, capturing the quiet beauty and view of the night. The music, with its gentle piano accompaniment and expressive vocal melody, mirrors the text's imagery and mood. Through subtle shifts in harmony and dynamics, Strauss creates a hauntingly beautiful portrayal of the nightly landscape, inviting listeners to experience the magic of the night.
Richard Strauss was a German composer known for his expressive music. He lived from 1864 to 1949 and was famous for his operas and orchestral works. His compositions are rich and dramatic, blending Romantic and modern styles. Some of his well-known pieces include "Salome" and "Also sprach Zarathustra." Strauss's music continues to be celebrated for its emotional depth and innovation.
Wir gingen durch die stille, milde Nacht, We walked through the silent, mild night, Dein Arm in meinem, your arm in mine, Dein Auge in meinem. your eyes in mine.
Der Mond goß silbernes Licht The moon poured silver light Über dein Angesicht, upon your face,
Wie auf Goldgrund ruhte dein schönes Haupt. as though gold rested on your fair head. Und du erschienst mir wie eine Heilige, And you appeared to me an angel, Mild, mild und groß und seelenübervoll mild, mild and great and overflowing with soul, Heilig und rein wie die liebe Sonne. holy and pure like the dear sun.
Und in die Augen And in my eyes
Schwoll mir ein warmer Drang, swelled urgent warmth, Wie Tränenahnung. as of threatening tears.
Fester faßt' ich dich I held you tighter
Und küßte
and kissed you,
Küßte dich ganz leise kissed you very softly.
Meine Seele weinte.
My soul wept.
Oh Glory!- Hall Johnson
"Oh Glory" is a spiritual song arranged by Hall Johnson, embodying themes of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity. Its uplifting melody and powerful lyrics express the longing for spiritual freedom and deliverance. With call-and-response patterns, The song's emotional depth and resonance stem from its origins within the African-American experience, particularly during times of slavery and oppression. It serves as a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit in the face of hardship, and it continues to be performed and cherished as a symbol of hope and inspiration.
Hall Johnson was a African-American composer, arranger, and conductor known for his contributions to promoting spirituals and folk music. Born in 1888, Johnson played a crucial role in the Harlem Renaissance, arranging spirituals in a classical style for choirs and ensembles. His arrangements blended traditional African-American musical elements with European classical techniques, earning him widespread acclaim. Johnson's work helped elevate spirituals to the concert stage and played a significant role in shaping the trajectory of African-American music in the 20th century
Oh, Glory! There is room enough in Paradise to have a home in glory
Jesus, my all, to heaven is gone to have a home in glory, he whom i fixed my hopes upon, to have a home in Glory.
Oh, Glory! There is room enough in paradise to have a home in glory. His track I see and I'll pursue, to have a home. The narrow way till him I view to have a home.
Oh Glory! There is room enough in paradise to have a home in glory.
Hm—
To have a home in Glory.
Where the Music Comes From-Hoiby
"Where the Music Comes From" is a song by Lee Hoiby, an American composer. It explores the inspiration behind music, touching on themes of creativity and emotion. Through its expressive melodies and thoughtful lyrics, the song invites listeners to consider the deep connections music creates. Hoiby's composition demonstrates his skill in combining words and music to tell a captivating story.
Lee Hoiby, born in 1926, was an American composer known for his vocal music. He excelled in setting poetry and literature to music, creating expressive melodies and harmonies that resonated with audiences worldwide. His compositions, including numerous art songs and operas, explored themes of love, human nature, and life's complexities. Hoiby's music, such as "Where the Music Comes From," continues to be performed and cherished for its emotional depth and enduring beauty. Though he passed away in 2011, his legacy as a significant figure in American classical music endures.
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 found me, who show me how
I want to sing to the early morning
See the sunlight melt the snow
And oh, I want to grow
I want to wake to the living spirit
Here inside me where it lies
I want to listen till I can hear it
Let it guide me and realize
That I can go with the flow unending
That is blending, that is real
And oh, I want to feel
I want to walk in the earthly garden
Far from cities, far from fear
I want to talk to the growing garden
To the devas, to the deer
And to be one with the river
Breezes blowing, sky above
And oh, I want to love.
Acknowledgment
Thank you to Dr Howell for supporting me and helping me create this program and put together this recital. Thank you to Anna Hakobyan for working with me and making music with me through this performance. Thank you to my parents for supporting my dreams and helping me pursue a career in something I love to do, and Thank you to all of my amazing friends who have seen all of my ups and downs and have been there for me at my lowest and continue to support me everyday and help me achieve my goals.
