Angel Blue
Patrick D. McCoy writes:
Hello Mr. Zick,
Here is a link to my review of soprano Angel Blue's Kennedy Center debut recital, presented by Vocal Arts DC.
Patrick
by Patrick D. McCoy
December 21, 2018
A Glowing Début: Vocal Arts DC presented soprano Angel Blue in recital with a program of vocal works by Mozart, Strauss, Rachmaninoff and others.
It is often an artist’s aspiration to make a recital début in a major
concert hall or venue. Such an occasion is certainly worthy of note
and celebration. This was the case for soprano Angel Blue who was
presented in recital by Vocal Arts DC. The soprano is already a darling
of the opera world, having performed major roles at The Metropolitan
Opera, Royal Opera House and The Staatoper im Schiller Theater to name a
few. Her recital in The Terrace Theater at The Kennedy Center was an
opportunity to hear this extraordinary artist in an intimate musical
setting. Ms. Blue elegantly entered the stage wearing a floor length
angelic white gown, complete with a trailing train.
Repertoire and specific composers are two important factors to consider when programming an important recital as a début. That was on display in Ms. Blue’s recital program on Wednesday night. Beginning with the “Alleluja” from the Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165 by W. A. Mozart, the soprano immediately made her vocal presence known. Beautifully resonant, the voice soared and moved agilely with ease in the vocal phrases of the work. Building with anticipation on the single word ‘Alleluja,’ the beloved sacred showpiece soared to a high ‘C’ resolving resolutely in F major.
A set of songs by Richard Strauss followed. This group started with “Heimliche Aufforderung,” a spirited pledge to love. The wide range of emotions continued with “Die Nacht” showcasing Blue’s lovely vocal control with attention to the sensitive accompaniment by her pianist Catherine Miller. The elegaic “Allerseelen” (All Soul’s Day) had an almost reverent quality, further enhanced by the beautifully phrased vocal line. Ending this group was “Befreit” which allowed for the soprano’s full voice to emerge on the reiteration of “Oh Glück”-Oh Joy!
Repertoire and specific composers are two important factors to consider when programming an important recital as a début. That was on display in Ms. Blue’s recital program on Wednesday night. Beginning with the “Alleluja” from the Exsultate, jubilate, K. 165 by W. A. Mozart, the soprano immediately made her vocal presence known. Beautifully resonant, the voice soared and moved agilely with ease in the vocal phrases of the work. Building with anticipation on the single word ‘Alleluja,’ the beloved sacred showpiece soared to a high ‘C’ resolving resolutely in F major.
A set of songs by Richard Strauss followed. This group started with “Heimliche Aufforderung,” a spirited pledge to love. The wide range of emotions continued with “Die Nacht” showcasing Blue’s lovely vocal control with attention to the sensitive accompaniment by her pianist Catherine Miller. The elegaic “Allerseelen” (All Soul’s Day) had an almost reverent quality, further enhanced by the beautifully phrased vocal line. Ending this group was “Befreit” which allowed for the soprano’s full voice to emerge on the reiteration of “Oh Glück”-Oh Joy!
No comments:
Post a Comment