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The Story |
The idea for this project began in September 2016, when I was living in Berlin for a semester. I arrived without a set plan, and in a moment of despair—a moment without a clear path—I noticed a binder full of my favorite German Lieder.
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The first cycle that caught my eye was Schumann’s Frauenlieben und Leben. I had performed it several times: as a 21-year-old undergraduate, as a young singer studying independently in Berlin in 2013, and again as voice faculty at Colgate University. Given my own experiences of young love, early marriage and parenthood, I wanted to look again at the cycle's rather conservative life narrative through the eyes of a modern feminist.
The music itself was not enough to make this album come to life. I needed a pianist! And I found one who was a great match. Markus was wonderful to work with. His native German ear allowed me to weed out hints of my American accent, and his collaborative and generous spirit made me feel supported and comfortable in rehearsals and in the studio. I was also smitten with his playing. I predictably teared-up every time I had to listen to him, especially during the opening prelude of Morgen. (Which always made it terribly difficult to sing!)
Brahms’ Gyspy Songs contrast the Schumann cycle, offering short pieces full of passion & sensuality, followed by Von Ewiger Liebe, a story of young lovers pledging eternal devotion to one another. The disc ends with my favorite Strauss Lieder: Die Nacht, Morgen & Zueignung. The final piece, Zueignung -- Dedication -- represents not only my dedication to Lieder as an art form but also to the process of being a full-time artist devoted to my craft.
The music itself was not enough to make this album come to life. I needed a pianist! And I found one who was a great match. Markus was wonderful to work with. His native German ear allowed me to weed out hints of my American accent, and his collaborative and generous spirit made me feel supported and comfortable in rehearsals and in the studio. I was also smitten with his playing. I predictably teared-up every time I had to listen to him, especially during the opening prelude of Morgen. (Which always made it terribly difficult to sing!)
Brahms’ Gyspy Songs contrast the Schumann cycle, offering short pieces full of passion & sensuality, followed by Von Ewiger Liebe, a story of young lovers pledging eternal devotion to one another. The disc ends with my favorite Strauss Lieder: Die Nacht, Morgen & Zueignung. The final piece, Zueignung -- Dedication -- represents not only my dedication to Lieder as an art form but also to the process of being a full-time artist devoted to my craft.
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THANK YOUS:
Philip Kraus for his amazing ear and talented editing skills. Katherine Ciesinski for her wisdom and help during post-production. Wenhua Shi for creating new art from these old songs. Ladd & Cathy, Gail & Ted for financial support and logistical help during the move. Dan & William for adventuring in Berlin and for joining me in NYC. 
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