Extra singing moments with accompanist Ruth Girard at my first vocal recital in Kenora July 1980
What follows are extra singing moments. In other words, thirteen additional vocals that defined my first few years as a singer.
Extra Singing Moments in 3 Parts
The first six “extra singing moments” are from my graduating recital at the University of Michigan in 1982. They’ve all been cleaned up digitally, which significantly improved their sound quality. But what really makes these songs so special is my Russian-born fellow student accompanist, Yakov Kreizberg. Simply put, Yakov can make a simple piano sound like a full orchestra. I am very fortunate to have had such an extraordinarily talented musician accompany me on these works.
The next six “extra singing moments” represent my introduction to opera in 1980. Recorded all in one day in a practice room where I was still learning the music. I was getting ready for a voice lesson where I was going to sing these new songs. My accompanist Mark Hsiao was sight reading this music that I had just sprung on him.
And finally, the last extra singing moment is from my first operatic performance at The University of Michigan. The opera was “The Consul” by Menotti. Having a full orchestra underneath me was pure magic. This excerpt ends with me attempting a high “F.” A note which never came out right in rehearsals. However, on this recording, luck was with me.
Abschied – Schubert
Au Cimitiere – Faure
American Folksongs – Copland
Der Floh – Beethoven
Mai – Faure
Si tra i ceppi – Handel
Abendstern – Wagner
God is My Shepherd – Dvorak
I Will Sing New Songs of Gladness – Dvorak
Guglielmo’s aria “I Would Like a Word with All You Lovely, Lovely, Lovely, Women.” from the opera Cosi Fan Tutti – Mozart
Arm, Arm Ye Brave – Handel
Count’s Aria from The Marriage of Figaro – Mozart
Excerpts from The Consul – Menotti
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