Richard Strauss: Beim Schlafengehen

Richard Strauss: Beim Schlafengehen

As a young American soprano studying opera in the early 2000s, Renée Fleming was my hero. Who am I kidding, she still is. She has the most beautiful tone quality, consummate technique, and an air of ease that makes the whole thing seem effortless. Of course now, as a...
Maurice Ravel:  Asie

Maurice Ravel: Asie

When I think of of exquisite writing for the voice and absolute masterful orchestration, I always think of this piece. For me this is the way to write for voice and orchestra. Absolute care about the registers, and the way Ravel keeps the balances has not been...
Rodgers and Hart:  Sing for Your Supper

Rodgers and Hart: Sing for Your Supper

“Sing for Your Supper”, a Rodgers and Hart trio from The Boys from Syracuse is irresistibly goofy, especially when it’s done so enthusiastically by world class singers.  I couldn’t decide who did it better—the Broadway stars Rebecca Luker, Audra McDonald...