De’Von O’Neal, Tenor
Anna Hakobyan, Piano Qualifying Recital
April 8, 2024
***Please hold applause for after each set of songs***
Sorge Il Sol! Che Fai Tu
Sento Nel Core
Luoghi Sereni e Cari
Stefano Donaudy (1879-1925)
Des Abends Kann Ich Nicht Schlafen Gehn
O Komme, Holde Sommernacht
Vergebliches Standchen
Weep You No More
Dear Theodosia from Hamilton
En Fermant les Yeux from Manon
Jared Kellman Medina, Baritone
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
Roger Quilter (1877-1953)
Lin-Manuel Miranda (b. 1980)
Jules Massenet (1842-1912)
Jurame Maria Grever (1885-1951)
Stefano Donaudy (1879-1925)
Stefano Donaudy was an Italian composer known for his contributions to the art song genre. Born in Palermo, Italy, Donaudy demonstrated exceptional musical talent from a young age and received formal training in composition and piano. He is best known for his collection of 36 Arie di stile antico, a series of Italian art songs that showcase his mastery of melody and expressive lyricism. These songs, composed between 1903 and 1921, reflect Donaudy's deep understanding of vocal writing and his ability to capture the emotional essence of poetry through music. His works continue to be cherished by singers and audiences alike for their beauty, elegance, and timeless appeal.
Sorge Il sol! Che Fai Tu (1918)
"Sorge Il Sol Che Fai Tu" (The Sun Rises as You Do) is a captivating piece that embodies the essence of Italian bel canto. Donaudy's composition showcases his mastery in crafting expressive melodies and rich harmonies. The text, penned by Rocco Emanuele Pagliara, paints a vivid picture of nature awakening with the rising sun, mirroring the themes of renewal and vitality. Through lyrical phrases and dynamic shifts, Donaudy captures the beauty and energy of dawn, inviting listeners on a journey of contemplation and wonder. "Sorge Il Sol Che Fai Tu" remains a cherished gem in the repertoire of Italian art songs, highlighting Donaudy's contribution to the vocal music tradition. Text via IPASource
Sorge il sol! Che fai tu?
Che fai lassù?
Se dormi, svègliati: è primavera!
Se vegli, lèvati: vienne a gioir!
Sorge il sol! Che fai tu?
Che fai lassù?
È tempo venuto di correre ancor
pei campi stellanti di mille colori; di sciogliere canti, di cogliere fiori, di ber lungo i rivi, d'avere nel cor le gioie d'amor!
Sorge il sol! Che fai tu?
Vienne a gioir...
Chè, se tu non vieni, non sbocciano i fior.
Sento Nel Core (1918)
The sun is coming up! What are you doing?
What are you doing up there?
If you are sleeping, wake up: it is spring!
If you are awake, get up: come to rejoice.
The sun is coming up! What are you doing?
What are you doing up there?
The time has come to run again
Through fields shining with a thousand colors;
To send forth songs, to gather flowers,
To drink along the brooks, to have in your heart
The joys of love!
The sun is coming up! What are you doing?
Come to rejoice...
Since if you don't come,
The flowers won't bloom!
The mesmerizing art song "Sento nel core" by Stefano Donaudy captures the spirit of Italian bel canto style. This early 20th-century composition demonstrates Donaudy's skill at writing melodic lines that precisely match the text's depth of emotion. The translation of the song's title, "I feel in my heart," conveys the depth of its theme of intense love and longing. Donaudy crafts a rich tapestry of emotions, from gentle compassion to intense passion, through soaring vocal lines and sumptuous harmonies. The way the vocal line and piano interact creates an intimate atmosphere that enables listeners to enter the protagonist's emotional inner world. The classic song "Sento nel core" never fails to enthrall listeners with its rich emotional depth and exquisite lyrics. Text via IPASource
Sento nel core certo dolore, che la mia pace turbando va. Splende una face che l'alma accende, se non è amore, amor sarà.
Luoghi Sereni e Cari (1918)
I feel in my heart a certain sorrow Which goes on disturbing my peace; There shines a torch which inflames my soul:
If it is not love, it will be love [soon].
Stefano Donaudy's "Luoghi sereni e cari" is an art song that captivates listeners with its tranquil and familiar background. Composed in the early twentieth century, this song exemplifies Donaudy's melodic brilliance and lyrical sensitivity, sending listeners to peaceful and treasured locations. Donaudy's command of melody and harmony is evident in this song, bringing nostalgia and emotional depth. "Luoghi sereni e cari" takes listeners on a voyage of reflection and appreciation for life's peaceful and valued moments, making it an engaging complement to any vocal music program. Text via IPASource
Luoghi sereni e cari, io vi ritrovo quali ai bei dì lasciai di giovinezza!
Gli stessi amati aspetti ovunque il passo io muovo... Sol non mi punge ancor che l'amarezza dei mesti giorni in cui i tormenti d'un triste inganno insegnato m'hanno pei primi cosa al mondo è dolor!
Lungi da voi fuggito allor cercai di trovar pace al mio tradito core. Andai fin oltre mare, ed altre donne amai... Ma nulla può lenire quel dolore ch'e piaga viva in ogni core d'amante che nell'amore aveva ugual fede che pregando il Signor!
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897)
SET 2
Places serene and dear, I find you again
Just as I left you in the beautiful days of youth! The same beloved views
Wherever I set my foot...
This alone does not sting me still
The bitterness of the mournful days
In which the torments of a sad deception
First taught me what
In the world is grief!
Having fled far from you
Then I tried to find peace for my betrayed heart. I even went beyond the sea, and loved other women...
But nothing can soothe that pain
Which is a living wound in every heart of a lover
Who had as much faith in love
As in praying to the Lord!
Johannes Brahms (1833-1897) was a German composer and pianist whose works are emblematic of the Romantic era. Born in Hamburg, Brahms displayed exceptional musical talent from a young age, composing his first works by the age of 20. He was deeply influenced by the classical traditions of Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart, which is reflected in the structure and complexity of his compositions. Brahms is renowned for his symphonies, chamber music, piano works, and choral compositions, all of which showcase his mastery of form, melody, and harmony. His compositions often explore themes of love, nature, and the human condition, resonating with audiences worldwide. Brahms's enduring legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers alike, cementing his place as one of the greatest composers of the Romantic period.
Des Abends Kann Ich Nicht Schlafen Gehn (1861)
Johannes Brahms composed "Des Abends kann ich nicht schlafen gehn," Op. 12, No. 1, as part of his collection of eight Lieder und Romanzen, Op. 12, published in 1863. This art song, set to a poem by Georg Friedrich Daumer, reflects Brahms' deep connection to Romantic poetry and music. The text explores themes of longing and insomnia, depicting a restless night filled with thoughts of a distant beloved. Brahms' musical setting enhances the emotional depth of the poem, with lush harmonies, expressive melodies, and nuanced dynamics. "Des abends kann ich nicht schlafen gehn" showcases Brahms' mastery of the Lied genre and remains a poignant exploration of love and longing in the night. Text via IPASource
Des Abends kann ich nicht schlafen gehn, Zu meiner Herzliebsten muß ich gehn, Zu meiner Herzliebsten muß ich gehn, Und sollt' ich an der Tür bleiben stehn, Ganz heimelig!
»Wer ist denn da? Wer klopfet an, Der mich so leis aufwecken kann?« Das ist der Herzallerliebste dein, Steh auf, mein Schatz, und laß mich ein, Ganz heimelig!
Wenn alle Sterne Schreiber gut, Und alle Wolken Papier dazu, So sollten sie schreiben der Lieben mein, Sie brächten die Lieb' in den Brief nicht ein, Ganz heimelig!
Ach, hätt' ich Federn wie ein Hahn Und könnt' ich schwimmen wie ein Schwan, So wollt' ich schwimmen wohl über den Rhein, Hin zu der Herzallerliebsten mein, Ganz heimelig!
O Komme, Holde Sommernacht (1872)
At evening, I cannot sleep, To my sweetheart must I go, To my sweetheart I must go, And I must stand at her door, Quite secretly!
"Who's there, then? Who is knocking, Who can awaken me so gently?"
It is your sweetheart, Get up, my treasure, and let me in, Quite secretly!
If all the stars were good scribes, And all the clouds were made of paper, And they were to write to my love, They could not summarize my love in one letter, Quite secretly!
Ah, had I feathers like a rooster, And could swim as does a swan, Then I would swimm across the Rhine To see my heart's beloved, Quite secretly!
"O Komme, Holde Sommernacht" is a charming art song that captures the essence of a peaceful summer night. This composition, written in the Romantic era, has beautiful harmonies
and a lyrical melody that portrays the beauty and peacefulness of nature. Ludwig Hölty's poetry expresses a longing for summer and the joys it brings, such as flower blooming and bird song. Brahms' treatment of this poem evokes the vision through delicate nuances in dynamics and phrasing, producing a dreamy environment for the listener. "O Komme, Holde Sommernacht" demonstrates Brahms' talent of creating evocative and expressive music within the art song genre, making it a prized work in the repertory of Romantic vocal music. Text via IPASource
O komme, holde Sommernacht, Verschwiegen; Dich hat die Liebe recht gemacht Zum Siegen!
Da brechen manche Knospen los, Verstohlen, Da öffnen ihren süßen Schoß Violen;
Da neigt ihr Haupt im Dämmerschein
Die Rose, Da wird mein Liebchen auch noch mein, Das lose!
O come, lovely summer night, Yet secretly;
Love has justly made you A time for conquest!
It is then that many buds are broken off, Stealthily; It is then that their sweet shoots are opened By violets;
It is then that in the afterglow, The roses incline their heads; It is then that my sweetheart surely shall be mine, The loose girl!
Vergebliches Standchen (1886)
"Vergebliches Standchen," commonly known as "Serenade for Solo Voice and Piano," is a moving art song that exemplifies Brahms' mastery of Romantic music. Written in 1864, this work has a sweet and lyrical melody supported by rich harmonic textures on the piano. The text, originally written by Ludwig Uhland, depicts the story of a lover's hopeless serenade beneath his beloved's window, exploring themes of unrequited love and longing. Brahms' rendition of the text conveys the poetry's emotional depth through expressive phrasing, dramatic contrasts, and subtle chromaticism. Brahms way of illustrating and a painting a humourous picture with the woman rejecting the man’s pleas. "Vergebliches Standchen" is a highlight of Brahms' Lieder repertoire, revealing the composer's compassion and melodic skill. Text via IPASource
Guten Abend, mein Schatz, Guten Abend, mein Kind! Ich komm aus Lieb' zu dir, Ach, mach' mir auf die Tür, Mach' mir auf die Tür!
Meine Tür ist verschlossen, Ich laß dich nicht ein; Mutter, die rät' mir klug, Wärst du herein mit Fug, Wär's mit mir vorbei!
So kalt ist die Nacht, So eisig der Wind, Daß mir das Herz erfriert, Mein' Lieb' erlöschen wird; Öffne mir, mein Kind!
Löschet dein' Lieb'; Lass' sie löschen nur! Löschet sie immerzu, Geh' heim zu Bett, zur Ruh', Gute Nacht, mein Knab'!
Roger Quilter (1877-1953)
Good evening, my treasure, good evening, sweet girl! I come from love of you, Ah, open the door, open the door for me!
My door is locked, and I won't let you in: My mother has advised me well! If you came in, It would all be over for me!
The night is so cold, and the wind so icy that my heart will freeze, and my love will be extinguished! Open for me, sweet girl!
If your love starts dying, then let it be extinguished! If it keeps dying, go home to bed, and rest! Good night, my boy!
SET 3
Roger Quilter was an English composer known for his exquisite art songs and light orchestral music. He was born into a wealthy family and received a privileged education, studying music at the Hoch Conservatory in Frankfurt. Quilter's compositions reflect the influence of the English pastoral tradition, with lush harmonies and lyrical melodies that capture the essence of English countryside landscapes. His song cycles, such as "To Julia" and "Seven Elizabethan Lyrics," showcase his mastery of setting poetry to music, often drawing from works by poets like Shakespeare and Herrick. Quilter's music is characterized by its elegance, sensitivity, and timeless beauty, making him a beloved figure in the realm of English art song repertoire.
Weep You No More (1939)
"Weep You No More" is a moving art song written by Quilter. This composition is based on a text by renowned poet John Fletcher. Quilter's song sensitively conveys the idea of consolation and solace, using subtle melodic lines and expressive harmonies to create a sense of calm and reassurance. The work begins with a lyrical simplicity, gradually gathering emotional depth as the singer moves through the reassuring lines of the text. Quilter's delicate handling of the vocal and piano sections results in a seamless
oneness, allowing the music to transmit a message of hope and comfort to the listener.
Text via A-Z Lyrics
Weep you no more, sad fountains;
What need you flow so fast?
Look how the snowy mountains
Heaven's sun doth gently waste!
But my sun's heavenly eyes
View not your weeping, That now lies sleeping, Softly now, softly lies Sleeping.
Sleep is a reconciling,
A rest that peace begets;
Doth not the sun rise smiling
When fair at eve he sets?
Rest you, then, rest, sad eyes!
Melt not in weeping,
While she lies sleeping, Softly now, softly lies Sleeping.
Lin-Manuel Miranda (b.1980)
Lin-Manuel Miranda, born on January 16, 1980 in New York City, is a highly acclaimed composer, lyricist, actor, and playwright. He gained widespread recognition for creating the groundbreaking musical In the Heights, which premiered on Broadway in 2008 and earned him a Tony Award for Best Original Score. Miranda's meteoric rise to fame reached new heights with his masterpiece, Hamilton, a musical about the life of Alexander Hamilton, for which he wrote the music, lyrics, and starred in the titular role. Hamilton received a record-breaking 16 Tony Award nominations and won 11, including Best Musical. Miranda's innovative fusion of hip-hop, R&B, and traditional musical theater elements has revolutionized the Broadway landscape, making him a cultural icon and a driving force behind the revitalization of musical theater for contemporary audiences.
Dear Theodosia from Hamilton (2016)
One of the most moving and sincere songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda's smash Broadway musical Hamilton is "Dear Theodosia." Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr perform a heartfelt duet in the song, sharing their aspirations and expectations for their new children, Philip Hamilton and Theodosia Burr. The song highlights everyone's desire to provide the next generation a better future by exploring the joys and hardships of parenthood through delicate words and a beautiful tune. "Dear Theodosia" encapsulates the essence of love, sacrifice, and the enduring tie between parent and child with its musical beauty and emotional depth. Text via A-Z lyrics
Burr:
Dear Theodosia, what to say to you?
You have my eyes. You have your mother's name
When you came into the world, you cried and it broke my heart
I'm dedicating every day to you
Domestic life was never quite my style
When you smile, you knock me out, I fall apart
And I thought I was so smart
You will come of age with our young nation
We'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you
If we lay a strong enough foundation
We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you
And you'll blow us all away…
Someday, someday
Yeah, you'll blow us all away
Someday, someday
Hamilton:
Oh Philip, when you smile, I am undone
My son
Look at my son
Pride is not the word I'm looking for
There is so much more inside me now
Oh Philip, you outshine the morning sun
My son
When you smile, I fall apart
And I thought I was so smart
My father wasn't around
Burr:
My father wasn't around
Hamilton:
I swear that
Burr/Hamilton:
I'll be around for you
Hamilton:
I'll do whatever it takes
Burr:
I'll make a million mistakes
Burr/Hamilton:
I'll make the world safe and sound for you…
…Will come of age with our young nation
We'll bleed and fight for you, we'll make it right for you
If we lay a strong enough foundation
We'll pass it on to you, we'll give the world to you
And you'll blow us all away...
Someday, someday
Yeah, you'll blow us all away
Someday, someday
Jules Massenet (1842-1912)
Jules Massenet was a prominent French composer known for his contributions to the operatic repertoire. Born in Montaud, France, Massenet showed early musical talent and studied at the Paris Conservatoire. He gained recognition for his operas, which often featured lush melodies, expressive vocal writing, and dramatic storytelling. Some of his most famous works include Manon, Werther, and Thaïs, which showcase his ability to blend lyrical beauty with emotional depth. Massenet's music is characterized by its romantic sensibility and exquisite orchestration, making him a significant figure in late 19th-century French music.
En Fermant les Yeux (1896)
The moving and stirring aria "En Fermant les Yeux" is taken from Jules Massenet's opera Manon. As he mulls over his past choices and uncertain future, des Grieux’s inner anguish and conflicted emotions are reflected in the aria, which he sings himself. En Fermant les Yeux, with its sumptuous and poignant melodies by Massenet, depicts des Grieux’s yearning for a life of love and freedom in contrast to the harsh reality of his decisions. The aria is a highlight of the opera due to its lyrical beauty and dramatic depth, demonstrating Massenet's talent for writing music that speaks to the universal human condition. Text via IPASource
En fermant les yeux, je vois là-bas une humble retraite, une maisonnette toute blanche au fond des bois!
Sous ses tranquilles ombrages, les clairs et joyeux ruisseaux, où se mirent les feuillages, chantent avec les oiseaux!
C'est le Paradis!
Oh! non! Tout est là triste et morose, car il y manque une chose: il y faut encor Manon!
Vien! là sera notre vie, si tu le veux, ô Manon!
When I close my eyes I see far away a modest retreat, a little cottage lost in the middle of the woods!
Under the quiet shade, the clear and joyous streams, in which the leaves are reflected, sing with the birds!
It's Paradise!
Oh no, everything there is sad and melancholy, because one thing is missing: Manon ought to be present!
No, our life will be there, if you want it, oh Manon!
Maria Grever (1885-1951)
Maria Grever (1885-1951) was a Mexican composer and songwriter whose works left a lasting impact on the Latin American music scene. Born in Mexico City, Grever showed early musical talent and began studying piano and composition at a young age. She later traveled to Europe to further her musical education, studying with renowned composers such as Claude Debussy and Jules Massenet. Grever's compositions encompassed a wide range of genres, including art songs, boleros, and popular music, earning her recognition as one of the most versatile composers of her time. Her most famous works include "Júrame" and "Cuando Vuelva a Tu Lado," which have been performed by numerous artists and remain beloved classics in the Latin American music repertoire. Grever's legacy continues to inspire generations of musicians, showcasing her enduring influence on the world of music
Jurame (1926)
"Jurame" is among Grever’s most well-known works, demonstrating her ability to fuse love themes with traditional Mexican musical components. Rich melodies and poignant lyrics are a common element of Grever's music, and "Jurame" is no exception. The song has become a beloved classic in the canon of Latin music due to its passionate appeal for love and devotion, which has struck a chord with listeners all over the world. Grever's reputation as a trailblazing Latin American female composer lives on through "Jurame," inspiring a new generation of musicians and listeners in the process. Text via IPASource
Todos dicen que es mentira que te quiero porque nunca me habían visto enamorado.
Yo te juro que yo mismo no comprendo el porqué tu mirar me ha fascinado.
Cuando estoy cerca de ti estoy contento. No quisiera que de nadie te acordaras. Tengo celos hasta del pensamiento que pueda recordarte a otra persona amada.
Júrame que aunque pase mucho tiempo no olvidarás en el momento en que yo te conocí.
Mírame, pues no hay nada más profundo ni más grande en este mundo
They all say it is a lie that I do love you because never they saw me so much in love
I swear to you that not even I understand why your glance has fascinated me
When I am near you, you are happy, I woudn't want you to remember anyone I am jealous even of the thought that could remind you of any loved person.
Swear to me that although time passes by you won't forget the moment when I first met you.
Look at me, for there is nothing in this world bigger or more profound
que el cariño que te di.
Bésame con un beso enamorado, como nadie me ha besado desde el día en que nací.
Quiéreme, quiéreme hasta la locura así sabrás la amargura que estoy sufriendo por ti.
Bésame con un beso enamorado, como nadie me ha besado desde el día en que nací.
Quiéreme, quiéreme hasta la locura así sabrás la amargura que estoy sufriendo por ti.
than the love I gave you.
Kiss me, with a loving kiss, like no one has kissed me since the day I was born.
Love me, love me up to madness and then you will know the sadness that I am suffering for you.
Kiss me with a loving kiss, like nobody has kissed me since the day I was born.
Love me, love me up to madness and then you will know the sadness that I am suffering for you.