Song Recital Project: Echoes of the Heart
- Hosted Event
Suzanne and Paul Westlake Performing Arts Center
About The Event
Song Recital Project presents Jason Fuh (baritone) and John Simmons (piano) in recital “Echoes of the Heart” featuring the following:
- Henri Duparc (1848–1933): Mélodie selections
- Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872–1958): Song cycle “The House of Life” (1903)
Henri Duparc, a pivotal figure in the development of the French mélodie, possessed a rare gift for capturing the emotional essence of poetry in his songs. The chosen selections showcase his diverse palette: the sensual languor of Phidylé, the poignant despair of Lamento, the exhilarating energy of Le Galop, the yearning stillness of Soupir, the haunting atmosphere of Le Manoir de Rosemonde, the tender melancholy of Chanson Triste, and the dramatic sweep of La Vague et la Cloche. Each song is a carefully crafted jewel, characterized by rich harmonic language, expressive vocal lines, and a profound sensitivity to the nuances of the text. Duparc’s mélodies are imbued with a Romantic sensibility, often exploring themes of love, loss, nature, and the inner turmoil of the human spirit.
In contrast, Vaughan Williams’s “The House of Life,” a cycle of six songs drawn from Dante Gabriel Rossetti’s sonnet sequence of the same name, delves into the complexities of love, memory, and mortality with a distinctly English voice. While influenced by the Romantic tradition, Williams’s musical language incorporates modal inflections and a deep connection to English folk song, creating a sound that is both deeply personal and rooted in a national identity. The cycle traces the arc of a passionate relationship, from its initial blossoming to its eventual fading, exploring themes of intense joy, profound sorrow, and the enduring power of remembrance. Through its expressive melodies and evocative harmonies, “The House of Life” offers a powerful and moving exploration of the human heart.
The program is performed with projected texts and translations. Free-will donations are welcomed at the door.
About the Performers
Jason Fuh: jasonfuhbaritone.com
John Simmons: cim.edu/faculty/john-simmons
This performance is made possible through the CMA’s generosity.