The Music Department at Gonzaga University presents
Isabel Parra Mezzo-soprano
Senior Voice Recital
with
Susan Lim & Annie Flood pianists
from the studio of Darnelle Preston
Friday, April 24th, 2021 3:00 PM Live Streamed from Robert Frost Auditorium
Culver City, California
This recital is given in partial fulfillment of a Bachelor of Arts in Music Performance Concentration Program Amore è bandito Barbara Strozzi Ariette a voce sola, Op. 6 (1619-1677) Spesso per entro al petto ****** Du meines Herzens Krӧnelein Richard Strauss Breit‘ über mein Haupt (1864-1949) Cäcilie ****** La Courte Paille Francis Poulenc I. Les Sommeil (1899-1963) II. Quelle Aventure III. La Reine de coer IV. Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, Bu V. Les Anges musiciens VI. La Carafon VII. Lune d‘Avril ****** Eki 駅 Akira Miyoshi (1933-2013) Uguisu 鶯 Fumio Hayasaka (1914-1955) Funauta Katakoi 舟唄片恋 Ikuma Dan (1924-2001) Kojo no Tsuki 荒城の月 Rentarō Taki (1879-1903) ****** Eight Epitaphs Theodore Chanler 1. Alice Rodd (1902-1961) 2. Susannah Fry 3. Three Sisters 4. Thomas Logge 5. A Midget 6. “No Voice to Scold“ 7. Ann Poverty 8. Be Very Quiet Now ****** Palomita Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948) Ilusión Fantasma Mario Kuri-Aldana (1931-2013) Cantar del Zenzontle
Translations
Amore è bandito Love is banished Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) Translation by Martha Gerhart
Amore è bandito, Love is banished, amanti su, su. lovers, move on. È fatto un eddito An edict has been made ch'Amor non sia più. that love shall be no more.
Forniti gl'amori Finished are the love affairs; l'inganno e la frode, the deception and the fraud ah, ah, più non s'ode Ah, ah, no longer one hears of them tormenti e rancori: of torments and grudges: il caso è spedito. the case is resolved.
Chimere al cervello, Fancies in the brain al cuor gelosie, in the heart jealousies, passioni, pazzie passion, foolishness son gite al bordello: are gone to the brothel: il caso è spedito. the case is resolved.
Speranza e desio, Hope and desires, querele, sospiri, complaints, sighs, singhiozzi, martiri sobs, agonies sen vanno all'obblio: are cast into oblivion: il caso è spedito. the case is resolved.
Ognun si conforte, Let each one console himself, rallegresi il core let be happy the heart ch'il bando d'Amore that the banishment of Love bandit' ha la morte: has banished the death: il colpo è riuscito. the blow is resurrected.
Spesso per entro al petto Often a little something Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) Translation by Martha Gerhart
Spesso per entro al petto Often a little something mi passa un non so che, Passes into my heart, e non so dir s'egli è and I cannot say if it is o martire o diletto. pleasure or delight. Talor mi sento uccidere I feel like I am dying da incognito rigor, from an unknown force, sarebbe pur da ridere how laughable it would be che fosse il mal d'amor. if this were the sickness of love.
Qualor mi s'apresenta When the beautiful siren Clori di Clori il bel seren, presents herself to me, mi nasce un foco in sen a fire grows within my breast che piace e in un tormenta. which both delights and torments me. Mi sento il cor dividere I feel my heart divided tra il gelo e tra l'ardor, between ice and fire, sarebbe pur da ridere How laughable would it be che fosse il mal d'amor. if this were the sickness of love.
I più solinghi orrori I willingly would search out frequento volontier, the most terrible horrors, ma sento un mio pensier but I hear my thoughts che dice: "E dove è Clori?" saying, “Where is Clori?” Or chi mi sa decidere Who can say exactly che sia questo furor? what this madness means? Sarebbe pur da ridere How laughable would it be che fosse il mal d'amor. if this were the sickness of love.
Du meines Herzens Krӧnelein You My Heart’s Coronet Felix Dahn (1834-1912) Translation by Richard Stokes
Du meines Herzens Krönelein, You, my heart’s coronet, du bist von lautrem Golde, you are of pure gold, Wenn Andere daneben sein, When others stand beside you, dann bist du noch viel holde. you are more lovely still. Die Andern tun so gern gescheut, Others love to appear clever, du bist gar sanft und stille; you are so gentle and quiet; Daß jedes Herz sich dein erfreut, That every heart delights in you, dein Glück ist’s, nicht dein Wille. is your fortune, not your will. Die Andern suchen Lieb’ und Gunst mit Others seek love and favours with a tausend falschen Worten, thousand false words, Du ohne Mund- und Augenkunst, You, without artifice of mind or eye, bist wert an allen Orten, are esteemed in every place, Du bist als wie die Ros’ im Wald, You are like the rose in the forest, sie weiß nichts von ihrer Blüte, knowing nothing of its flowers, Doch Jedem, der vorüberwallt, Yet rejoicing the heart, erfreut sie das Gemüte. of every passer-by.
Breit’ über mein Haupt Unbind your black hair Adolph Friedrich von Schack (1815-1894) Translation by Richard Stokes
Breit’ über mein Haupt Unbind your black hair dein schwarzes Haar, right over my head, Neig’ zu mir dein Angesicht, Incline to me your face! Da strömt in die Seele so hell und klar Then clearly and brightly into my soul Mir deiner Augen Licht. The light of your eyes will stream.
Ich will nicht droben der Sonne Pracht, I want neither the glory of the sun above Noch der Sterne leuchtenden Kranz, Nor the gleaming garland of stars, Ich will nur deiner Locken Nacht All I want are your black tresses Und deiner Blicke Glanz. And the radiance of your eyes.
Cäcilie Cecily Heinrich Hart (1855-1906) Translation by Richard Stokes
Wenn Du es wüßtest, If you knew Was träumen heißt What it is to dream Von brennenden Küssen, Of burning kisses, Vom Wandern und Ruhen Of walking and resting Mit der Geliebten, With one’s love, Aug’ in Auge, Gazing at each other Und kosend und plaudernd – And caressing and talking – Wenn Du es wüßtest, If you knew, Du neigtest Dein Herz! Your heart would turn to me.
Wenn Du es wüßtest, If you knew Was bangen heißt What it is to worry In einsamen Nächten, On lonely nights Umschauert vom Sturm, In the frightening storm, Da Niemand tröstet With no soft voice Milden Mundes To comfort Die kampfmüde Seele – The struggle-weary soul – Wenn Du es wüßtest, If you knew, Du kämest zu mir. You would come to me.
Wenn Du es wüßtest, If you knew Was leben heißt, What it is to live Umhaucht von der Gottheit Enveloped in God’s Weltschaffendem Atem, World-creating breath, Zu schweben empor, To soar upwards, Lichtgetragen, Borne on light Zu seligen Höh’en, To blessed heights – Wenn Du es wüßtest, If you knew, Du lebtest mit mir. You would live with me.
I. Le sommeil Sleep Maurice Carême (1899-1978) Translations by Megan Leeds Carroll
Le sommeil est en voyage, Sleep is on vacation. Mon Dieu! où est-il parti? My God! Where has it gone? J'ai beau bercer mon petit; I've rocked my little one in vain; Il pleure dans son litcage, he cries in his crib, Il pleure depuis midi. he's been crying since noon. Où le sommeil a-t-il mis Where has sleep put Son sable et ses rêves sages? its sand and its wise dreams? J'ai beau bercer mon petit; I've rocked my little one in vain; Il se tourne tout en nage, he turns, all sweaty, Il sanglote dans son lit. he sobs in his bed. Ah! reviens, reviens, sommeil, Ah! return, return, sleep, Sur ton beau cheval de course! on your beautiful race horse! Dans le ciel noir, la Grand Ourse In the black sky, the Big Bear A enterré le soleil has buried the sun Et ralumé ses abelles. and re-lit his bees . Si l'enfant ne dort pas bien, If baby doesn't sleep well, Il ne dira pas bonjour, he won't say "good morning," Il ne dira rien demain he won't say anything tomorrow A ses doigts, au lait, au pain to his fingers, to the milk, to the bread Qui l'accueillent dans le jour. that greet him with the day.
II. Quelle aventure! What an adventure!
Une puce dans sa voiture, A flea was pulling a little elephant Tirait un petit éléphant along in its carriage, En regardant les devantures while looking at the shop windows Où scintillaient les diamants. where diamonds sparkled. Mon Dieu! mon Dieu! My God! my God! quelle aventure! What an adventure! Qui va me croire, s'il m'entend? Who'll believe me, if they hear me? L'éléphaneau, d'un air absent, The little elephant casually Suçait un pot de confiture. licked at a jar of jam, Mais la puce n'en avait cure, but the flea didn't care; Elle tirait en souriant. she pulled along, smiling. Mon Dieu! mon Dieu! My God! my God! que cela dure How hard this is! Et je vais me croire dément! And I think I must be crazy! Soudain, le long d'une clôture, Suddenly, near a fence, La puce fondit dans le vent the flea blew over in the wind, Et je vis le jeune éléphant and I saw the young elephant Se sauver en fendant les murs. save himself by knocking down the walls. Mon Dieu! mon Dieu! My God! my God! la chose est sure, it's really true, Mais comment le dire à maman? but how can I tell Mommy?
III. La reine de cœur The Queen of Hearts
Mollement accoudée Softly leaning A ses vitres de lune, on her window-panes of moon, La reine vous salue the queen gestures to you d’une fleur d’amandier. with an almond flower. C’est la reine de cœur. She is the Queen of Hearts. Elle peut, s’il lui plait, She can, if she wishes, Vous mener en secret lead you in secret Vers d’étranges demeures into strange dwellings Où il ne’st plus de portes, where there are no more doors, De salles ni de tours or rooms, or towers, Et où les jeune mortes and where the young dead Viennent parler d’amour. come to talk of love. La reine vous salue; The queen salutes you; Hâtez-vous de la suivre hasten to follow her Dans son château de givre into her hoar-frost castle Aux doux vitraux de lune. with smooth stained-glass moon windows.
IV. Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, Bu Ba, Be, Bi, Bo, Bu
Ba, be, bi, bo, bu, bé! Ba, be, bi, bo, bu, bé! Le chat a mis ses bottes, The cat has put on his boots; Il va de porte en porte he goes from door to door, Jouer, danser, playing, dancing, Danser, chanter - dancing, singing - Pou, chou, genou, hibou. Pou, chou, genou, hibou. "Tu dois apprendre à lire, "You ought to learn to read, A compter, à écrire," to count, to write," Lui crie-t-on de partout. everyone calls out to him. Mais rikketikketau, But rikketikketau, Le chat de s’esclaffer the cat bursts out laughing, En rentrant au château: returning to his castle: Il est le Chat Botté! He is Puss in Boots!
V. Les anges musiciens The musician angels
Sur les fils de la pluie, Upon the threads of the rain Les anges du jeudi the Thursday angels Jouent longtemps de la harpe. play on the harp for a long time. Et sous leurs doigts, Mozart And beneath their fingers, Mozart Tinte, délicieux, tinkles, deliciously, En gouttes de joie bleue in drops of blue joy Car c’est toujours Mozart since it is always Mozart Que reprennent sans fin which is played endlessly Les anges musiciens by the musician angels Qui, au long du jeudi, who, all day Thursday, Font chanter sur la harpe make their harps sing La douceur de la pluie. the sweetness of the rain.
VI. Le carafon The baby carafe
"Pourquoi, se plaignait la carafe, "Why," lamented the carafe, N’aurais-je pas un carafon? "couldn’t I have a baby carafe? Au zoo, madame la giraffe At the zoo, Mrs. Giraffe - N’a-t-elle pas un girafon?" doesn’t she have a baby giraffe?" Un sorcier qui passait par là, A wizard who was riding by A cheval sur un phonographe, astride a phonograph Enregistra la belle voix recorded the beautiful De soprano de la carafe soprano voice of the carafe Et la fit entendre à Merlin. and played it for Merlin. "Fort bien, dit celui-ci, fort bien!" "Very well," said he, "very well!" Il frappa trois fois dans les mains He clapped his hands three times Et la dame de la maison -And the lady of the house Se demande encore pourquoi still asks herself why Elle trouva, ce matin-là she found, that morning, Un joli petit carafon a pretty little baby carafe Blotti tout contre la carafe leaning up against the carafe Ainsi qu’au zoo le girafon just as in the zoo, the baby giraffe Pose son cou fragile et long leans its long and fragile neck Sur le flanc clair de la girafe. against the smooth flank of the giraffe.
VII. Lune d’Avril April moon
Lune, belle lune, lune d’Avril, Moon, beautiful moon, moon of April, Faites-moi voir en m’endormant make me see in my dreams Le pêcher au cœur de safran, the peach tree with a heart of saffron, Le poisson qui rit du grésil, the fish that laughs at sleet, L’oiseau qui, lointain comme un cor, the bird that, far away, like a horn, Doucement réveille les morts sweetly wakens the dead Et surtout, surtout le pays and above all, above all, the country Où il fait joie, où il fait clair, where there is joy, where it is bright, Où, soleilleux de primevères, where, sunny with springtime, On a brisé tous les fusils. they have broken all the rifles. Lune, belle lune, lune d’avril, Moon, beautiful moon, moon of April, Lune. moon.
Eki The Train Station Toshiko Takada (1914-1989) Translations by Mutsumi Moteki
Natsu-yasumi o tsumikonde Packed with summer vacations Kisha wa itte-shimata The train has left Garantoshita eki no houmu ni wa On the empty platform of the station Kanna no hana bakari ga akaku. Only the canna flowers are red. Shoujo wa mimi o sumashite A girl strains her ears Tsugi ni hakobarete kuru mono And waits for what might be brought on the o matteiru. next train. Atarashii kisetsu ga chikazuite kita. A new season is coming close. Shoujo tachi wa, itsumo koushite, Girls, always in this way, Nanika o machi-tsuzukeru Keep waiting for something.
Uguisu Nightingale Haruo Satou (1892-1964)
Kimi o minu hi no uguisu A nightingale on the day I’m not seeing you Umi chikaki yado no uguisu A nightingale by an inn near the sea Nami no oto ni majiri A nightingale sings blending with the sound naku yo uguisu of the waves Hinemosu kiku yo uguisu All day long I listen to you Uguisu uguisu uguisu Nightingale, nightingale, nightingale
Funauta Katakoi Boat Song (Unrequited Love) Hakushuu Kitahara (1885-1942)
Akashi ya no kin to aka to ga chiruzoena Gold and red leaves of acacias are falling Kawatare no aki no hikari ni chiruzoena Falling in the autumn glow of twilight Katakoi-no usugi no neru no waga Unrequited love like thin flannel is my Urei sorrow Hikifune no mizu no hotori o When walking along the bank of the yuki-koro o Hikifune Yawarakana kimi ga toiki no chiruzoena Your soft sighs are falling Akashi ya no kin to aka to ga chiruzoena Gold and red leaves of acacias are falling
Kojou no Tuski Moon Over the Ruined Castle Bansui Doi (1871-1952)
Haru kourou no In spring, a blossom-viewing party on a hana no en high tower. Meguru sakazuki kage sashite Casting light on circulating sake-cups Chiyo no matsugae (the moon) rose parting thousand-year pine wake-ideshi boughs Mukashi no hikari ima izuko? Now, where is the light of the old days?
Tenjou kage wa kawaranedo Although the light in the sky never changes, Eiko wa utsuru yo no The image of this world shifts from glory to sugata ruin; Utsusan toteka ima mo nao As if to reflect it even now, Aa koujou no yowa no Ah, over the ruined castle, the moon at tsuki! night!
1. Alice Rodd 3. Three Sisters Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) Walter de la Mare (1873-1956)
Here lyeth our infant, Three sisters rest beneath Alice Rodd; This cypress shade, She was so small Sprightly Rebecca, Anne, Scarce aught at all, And Adelaide. But a mere breath of Sweetness sent from Gentle their hearts to all God. On earth, save Man; In Him, they said, all Grief, All Woe began. Spinsters they lived, and spinsters Here are laid; 2. Susannah Fry Sprightly Rebecca, Anne, Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) And Adelaide.
Here sleep I, Susannah Fry, No one near me, no one nigh: 4. Thomas Logge Alone, alone, under my stone, Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) Dreaming on, still dreaming on, Grass for my valance and coverlid, Here lies Thomas Logge–a rascally dogge Dreaming on as I always did. A poor useless creature–by choice as by ‘Weak in the head’? nature; Maybe–who knows? Who never served God–for kindness or Susannah Fry under the rose. Rod; Who, for pleasure or penny, — never did any 5. A Midget Work in his life–but to marry a Wife, Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) And live aye in strife: And all this he says–at the end of his days Just a span and half a span Lest some fine canting pen From head to heel was this little man. Should be at him again Scarcely a capful of small bones Raised up erect this Midget once. Yet not a knuckle was askew; 7. Ann Poverty Inches for feet God made him true; Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) And something handsome put between His coal-black hair and beardless chin. Stranger, here lies But now, forsooth, with mole and mouse, Ann Poverty; He keeps his own small darkened house. Such was her name And such was she. 6. No Voice to Scold May Jesu pity Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) Poverty
No Voice to scold; 8. Be Very Quiet Now No face to frown; Walter de la Mare (1873-1956) No hand to smite The helpless down: Be very quiet now: Ay, Stranger, here A child’s asleep An Infant lies, In this small cradle, With worms for In this shadow deep! Welcome Paradise. Palomita My Love Manuel M. Ponce (1883-1948) Translation by Isabel Parra
Palomita vamos a mi tierra, My love, let us go to my homeland, y seremos felices los dos. and we shall both be content. Gonzaremos lo que un alma encierra, We will enjoy each other’s souls, y estaremos en gracia de Dios. and we shall be in gratitude of God. Porqué quiero de ti separarme? Why would I want to separate from you? Tengo otros amores, tengo otros consuelos? Do I have other lovers? Other consolations? Palomita vamos a mi tierra, My love, let us go to my homeland, y seremos felices los dos. and we shall both be content. Palomita. My love.
Ilusión Fantasma Phantom Illusion Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz (1648-1695) Translation by Isabel Parra
Sombra, illusion, fantasma, Shadow, illusion, ghost, Di quién eres? Say, who are you? Qué buscas o qué quieres? What do you seek or what do you want? Si te sigo, me dejas; If I follow you, you leave me; Si te huyo, me segues; If I run away from you, you follow; Si te busco, te alejas; If I look for you, you walk away; Si te quiero dejar, If I want to leave you, tú me per sigues. you follow me. Qué juego es te tuyo que me espanta? What is this scary game of yours? Te miro y no te alcanzo; I look at you and cannot reach you; Y cuando hasta tus brazos me abalanzo. And even when your arms grasp me. Te tengo y no te miro. I have you and I don’t look at you. Quién eres, sombra mía? Who are you, my shadow? La imagen de tu propia fantasia. The image of your own fantasy.
Cantar del Zenzontle Song of the Zenzontle Beatriz Castillo León Translation by Isabel Parra
Zenzontle el de las mil voces, Zenzontle of the thousand voices, Con alas de madrugada, With wings of the dawn, Cantaba en el cerro combo Sings on the hill Al niño que amanecia. to the child that was born. Zenzontle cantaba. Zenzontle sings. Zenzontle le dió su nombre, Zenzontle gave him his name, Sus cantos y su alegría, His songs and his joy, Zenzontle, canta zenzontle, Zenzontle, sing zenzontle, Sus trinos llenan el campo; His trills fill the field; Zenzontle…reía Zenzontle…laughed Zenzontle, tiene sus alas, Zenzontle, he has his wings, Zenzontle sus pensamientos, Zenzontle, his thoughts, Y el mundo los vé volando y cantando, And the world he sees flying and singing, Párajo y niño. Bird and boy. Zenzontle volaba. Zenzontle flew. Zenzontle con Dios. Zenzontle with God.
Program Notes
Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) was one of the most prolific composers of 17th century Italy. The adopted daughter of a Venetian librettist, Strozzi was exposed to music at a young age. She studied with Francesco Cavalli, director of music at St. Mark's Basilica, and is credited with the creation of the cantata.1 She was one of the few female composers of her time, and one of the only female composers to dwarf opposing male composers through sheer volume of publications.2 A virtuoso singer herself, Strozzi was known for her vocal compositions. Her piece “Amore é bandito” comes from her song cycle, Ariette a voce sola, Op. 6, a collection of secular cantatas. Composed in the Baroque style, “Spesso per entro al petto” offers a glance at the florid ornamentation quintessential of the era. Both pieces demonstrate Strozzi’s vocal prowess and intimate treatment of text.
Richard Strauss (1864-1949) was one of the foremost composers of Romantic era Germany. Famous for his symphonic poems, operas, and lieder (art songs), Strauss remains a fixture of Western music education today. His piece “Du meines Herzens Krӧnelein” comes from Opus 21, a selection of five lieder composed to accompany his wife, soprano Pauline Strauss-de Ahna.3 The second selection presented today, “Breit‘ über mein Haupt“ hails from yet another cycle of 6 lieder, Opus 19. The final Strauss selection, “Cäcilie”, is the second in a set of four songs in Strauss’s Opus 27. Featuring the text of Heinrich Hart, the piece pays homage to the poet’s wife, Cecilia. It was also given as a gift to his own wife on their wedding day.4
Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) was a largely self-taught composer of 20th century France. His work helped shape the repertory of post World War I French classical music.5 The son of a pianist, Poulenc’s first encounters with music were that of a passionate amateur. He did not consider composing seriously until age 14, at which point he knew he wanted to become a composer.6 Poulenc was influenced by composers such as Arnold Schönberg. Drawn together by their aesthetic ideals, he became a member of “Les Six”, a group of six French composers credited with leading the neo-Classical movement in music. This movement worked to reject German Romanticism7, citing the poet Jean Cocteau as its inspiration.8 For this reason, Poulenc is quintessential to our understanding of early modernism and the musical development of post-war France. Poulenc’s La Courte Paille is a song cycle featuring a small variety of children’s poetry, ranging from “nonsensical” and “whimsical” andantes to
1 "Barbara Strozzi - A Modern Reveal: Songs and Stories of Women Composers," A Modern Reveal, accessed April 4, 2021, https://www.amodernreveal.com/barbara-strozzi). 2 "Barbara Strozzi," Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed March 17, 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Barbara-Strozzi). 3 "Schlichte Weisen Op. 21 TrV 160 (High Voice)," Boosey & Hawkes, accessed March 19, 2021, https://www.boosey.com/shop/prod/Strauss-Richard- Schlichte-Weisen-op-21-TrV-160-High-Voice/2335487). 4 "Cäcilie ("Wenn Du Es Wüsstest"),...: Details," AllMusic, accessed March 19, 2021, https://www.allmusic.com/composition/cäcilie-wenn-du-es- wüsstest-song-for-voice-piano-or-orchestra-op-27-2-trv-170-2-mc0002665732). 5 "Francis Poulenc," Encyclopædia Britannica, March 24, 2021, accessed March 25, 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Francis-Poulenc). 6 "Francis Poulenc," Wise Music Classical, accessed March 25, 2021, https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1241/Francis-Poulenc/). 7 "Les Six," Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed March 25, 2021, https://www.britannica.com/topic/Les-Six). 8 "Francis Poulenc," Wise Music Classical, accessed March 25, 2021, https://www.wisemusicclassical.com/composer/1241/Francis-Poulenc/). “mischievous” and even “melancholy” verses.9 The pieces were originally written for Denise Duval, a celebrated lead performer in Poulenc’s operas, to sing to her son.10
Akira Miyoshi (1933-2013) was a Japanese composer and teacher known for his Classical works. An early pedagogue, Miyoshi studied piano performance at Jiyû-Gakuen as young as 3 years old.11 He went on to study French Literature at Tokyo University, and later took up a composition focus at Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris. He received the Cultural Merits Award for his compositional integrity, and was inducted into the Japanese Academy of the Arts in 1999.12 His piece “Eki” comes from a collection of four songs for women’s choir and piano entitled Four Autumn Songs.13 Published in 1971, the song features the text of the frequently set modernist Japanese poet, Toshiko Takada.14
Fumio Hayasaka (1914-1955) was a prominent composer within Japanese cinema.15 Although his acclaim seemed confined to Japan, the orchestral composer was indispensable for his contributions to post-war Japanese music development. His synthesis of Asian and Western musical styles would greatly influence future generations of composers. In his 16 year career, Hayasaka trademarked the Pan-Asian style, becoming one of the first composers to place traditional Japanese instruments within the context of a Western style orchestra.16 His piece, “Uguisu”, stands tribute to this synthesis, as it combines traditional Japanese poetry and the Western art song. The third in his set of Four Unaccompanied Songs on Poems by Haruo Satō, “Uguisu” marries the chromatic ornamentation quintessential of Japanese folk music with the traditional Western art song style.
Ikuma Dan (1924-2001) was a fundamental composer during the “Golden Age of Japanese Cinema”. Famous for his involvement in Hiroshi Inagaki's Samurai Trilogy, Dan began his musical studies at the early age of 7. With a piano background as his musical foundation, Dan attended the Tokyo Music Academy in 1942. From there, he went on to become a member of the Toyama military band school, before quickly being swept up into an exclusive agreement with NHK. His work as an opera and film score composer soon garnered national acclaim, and he was even selected to present at the 1964 Japanese Olympics.17 His work “Funauta Katakoi” stands tribute to his cinematic zeal and
9 "La Courte Paille, Song Cycle For...: Details," AllMusic, accessed March 25, 2021, https://www.allmusic.com/composition/la-courte-paille-song-cycle- for-voice-piano-fp-178-mc0002370693). 10 "." Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. . Encyclopedia.com. 25 Mar. 2021 .," Encyclopedia.com, March 25, 2021, accessed March 25, 2021, https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/miyoshi-akira) 11 Ibid. 12 Welcome to Naxos Records," Akira Miyoshi- Bio, Albums, Pictures – Naxos Classical Music., accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.naxos.com/person/Akira_Miyoshi/26167.htm) 13 Peoplepill.com, "About Akira Miyoshi: Japanese Composer (1933 - 2013): Biography, Facts, Career, Wiki, Life," Peoplepill.com, accessed March 26, 2021, https://peoplepill.com/people/akira-miyoshi/) 14 Peoplepill.com, "About Toshiko Takada: Japanese Poet (1914 - 1989): Biography, Bibliography, Facts, Career, Wiki, Life," Peoplepill.com, accessed March 26, 2021, https://peoplepill.com/people/toshiko-takada) 15 "Fumio Hayasaka," IMDb, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0370593/bio?ref_=nm_ov_bio_sm) 16 Harris, "Hayasaka Fumio, Ronin Composer: Analysis and Commentary of Five Film Scores," CU Scholar, accessed March 26, 2021, https://scholar.colorado.edu/concern/graduate_thesis_or_dissertations/x633f126n) 17 Ikuma Dan, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.tohokingdom.com/people/ikuma_dan.htm) piano background. The fourth in his song cycle Five Fragments, the piece features the poetry of Hakushū Kitahara in a lyrical and florid rendition of the historically foundational text.
Rentarō Taki (1879-1903) was a pianist and composer of Meiji Era Japan. Taki exhibited an early interest in music, joining the Shokakai (Singing Society) shortly after elementary school. His passion drove him to the Tokyo Academy of Music, where he soon set a trajectory for the Tokyo Music School.18 It was in this short time that Taki composed “Kojo no tsuki”, a piece that would become a landmark of Japanese vocal music. Taki went on to attend the Leipzig Conservatory in Germany at 23 years old before his studies were abruptly cut short.19 A brush with tuberculosis would bring his life to a tragic end, one that no doubt left a crater in Japanese musical repertory.20 His piece “Kojo no tsuki”, nevertheless, remains one of the most famous Japanese folk tunes to date. With its melancholy timbre and lyrical lines, “Kojo no tsuki” is often called “prophetic” of the tragically short life Taki was to lead.21
Theodore Chanler (1902-1961) was an American composer, music editor, and critic of the early 20th century.22 The godson of Theodore Roosevelt himself, Chanler had an early introduction to the world of musicology. A pupil of the famous Nadia Boulanger,23 Chanler studied piano and counterpoint from a young age. He attended the Institute of Musical Art before going on to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music at the age of 14. From there, Chanler became a music critic in the Boston Herald, where he frequently contributed to the American magazine Modern Music. Best known for his songs, Chanler wore many hats in the world of music living. He composed, performed, critiqued, and even taught for some years at notable institutions such as the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore.24 His works are mostly polytonal and lyrical settings of eclectic texts.25 His best known song cycle, “Eight Epitaphs”, features a selection of poetry from Walter de la Mare’s volume, “Benighted”. Within the text, speakers contemplate a variety of gravestones.26
Manuel M. Ponce (1882-1948) was a Mexican pianist, composer, and pedagogue.27 Influenced by European classical styles, Ponce was the first Mexican classical composer to rise to international acclaim. His contributions to
18 "Rentaro Taki," Prabook.com, January 01, 1971, accessed March 26, 2021, https://prabook.com/web/rentaro.taki/3748240) 19 "Welcome to Naxos Records," Rentaro Taki- Bio, Albums, Pictures – Naxos Classical Music., accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.naxos.com/person/Rentaro_Taki/20861.htm) 20 See note 20. 21 Vitaliy Katsenelson3 Years Ago 0 0 and Vitaliy Katsenelson, "Rentaro Taki – Kojo No Tsuki," My Favorite Classical by Vitaliy Katsenelson, January 01, 1967, accessed March 26, 2021, https://myfavoriteclassical.com/rentaro-taki-kojo-no-tsuki/) 22 "Chanler, Theodore," Grove Music Online, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.oxfordmusiconline.com/grovemusic/view/10.1093/gmo/9781561592630.001.0001/omo-9781561592630-e-0000005401) 23 "The Collected Songs of Theodore ChanlerModel# 50481818," The Collected Songs of Theodore Chanler, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.classicalvocalrep.com/products/The-Collected-Songs-of-Theodore-Chanler-183654.html) 24 Peoplepill.com, "About Theodore Chanler: American Composer (born: 1902 - Died: 1961): Biography, Discography, Bibliography, Facts, Career, Wiki, Life," Peoplepill.com, accessed March 26, 2021, https://peoplepill.com/people/theodore-chanler) 25 "." Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. . Encyclopedia.com. 26 Mar. 2021 .," Encyclopedia.com, March 26, 2021, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/chanler-theodore-ward) 26 "Eight Epitaphs," Song of America, January 28, 2018, accessed March 26, 2021, https://songofamerica.net/song/eight-epitaphs/) 27 "Manuel Ponce: Biography & History," AllMusic, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.allmusic.com/artist/manuel-ponce-mn0000590334/biography) the classical arena played a significant role in the recognition of the guitar as an instrument on par with Western instruments such as the piano and the violin. Ponce had an early introduction to music, as he began learning piano and solfege at just 4 years old. His mother encouraged him to learn solfege even before he’d learned the alphabet, making music his first language.28 He began composing at age 9, soon becoming involved with the church choir and later playing the organ. By age 18, he attended the Conservatorio Nacional in Mexico City, and soon thereafter began his career as a music teacher.29 In his lifetime, Ponce composed some 400 piano works and 200 songs.30 “Palomita” comes from his song cycle, Seis Canciones Populares Mexicanas. The set of 6 pieces features a selection of Mexican folk songs.31
Mario Kuri-Aldana (1931-2013) was a Mexican composer and music researcher. Born into a musical family, he attended the Academia Juan Sebastian Bach in Mexico City at age 14. From there, he went on to study at the Escuela Nacional de Mùsica, and eventually took private lessons from recognizable composers such as Copland and Stock-hausen.32 He became a professor of composition and ethnomusicology,33 owing to his early exposure to prestigious music education. Aside from schooling, much of Kuri-Aldana’s early musical prowess can be accredited to his musical upbringing. In fact, he often co-authored compositions alongside his brother, Armando Kuri-Aldana.34 “Ilusión Fantasma” is one such work. Borrowing from Western musical forms, “Ilusión Fantasma” sets the text of the prolific colonial era poet, Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz.35 Alternatively, Kuri-Aldana authored “Cantar del Zenzontle” alone. The text, written by Beatriz Castillo Léon, pays homage to the Zenzontle, a Mexican mocking bird.
28 "Manuel Ponce," Maestros, |PAGE|, accessed April 5, 2021, http://www.maestros-of-the-guitar.com/ponce1.html) 29 Ibid. 30 Luis Francisco Gaytan, "An Introduction to the Piano Music of Manuel M. Ponce," LSU Digital Commons, accessed March 26, 2021, https://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/1325/) 31 "6 Canciones Populares MexicanasModel# 5035," 6 Canciones Populares Mexicanas, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.classicalvocalrep.com/products/6-CANCIONES-POPULARES-MEXICANAS-152122.html) 32 "." Bakers Biographical Dictionary of Musicians. . Encyclopedia.com. 26 Mar. 2021 .," Encyclopedia.com, March 26, 2021, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.encyclopedia.com/arts/dictionaries-thesauruses-pictures-and-press-releases/kuri-aldana-mario) 33 "Mario Kuri-Aldana," Discogs, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.discogs.com/artist/3893170-Mario-Kuri-Aldana) 34 "Sor Juana Inés De La Cruz," Encyclopædia Britannica, accessed March 26, 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/sor-juana-ines-de-la-cruz) 35 Ibid. About the Performer
Isabel Parra (b. 1998) is a mezzo-soprano from Culver City, California. A senior at Gonzaga University, she graduates this year with a major in music (vocal performance) and a minor in conducting. These past four years, Isabel has studied with Darnelle Preston. She previously served as alto section leader for Gonzaga University Concert Choir, and she also toured internationally with the Gonzaga University Chamber Choir. On this tour to Italy, she was the alto understudy for Alec Roth’s At Time to Dance. Isabel has also performed with the Culver City Chamber Orchestra as a vocal soloist, and has been invited to perform at several local events, including President Thayne McCulloch’s annual Veteran’s Day Lunch. In light of COVID-19, Isabel has become the guide track recording artist for Gonzaga Concert Choir, and works to coordinate a group of fully remote students affectionately dubbed the “Zesty Zoomers”. Her inclusion of Spanish repertoire is a nod to her Latin-American cultural background, and her incorporation of Japanese folk music originates in her studies and love of Japanese language. After college, she plans to pursue a career as a voice-over artist and a musical theater performer.
Special Thanks
Mom, Dad, Tio Carlos, Uncle Greg, Tita, Uncle John, and Danny Darnelle Preston Susan Lim Annie Flood Dr. Timothy Westerhaus Dr. Amy Porter Marnie Rorholm Maestro Jason Bentley Sargent JD Heather Moses Dr. Tony Spano Dolores Aguanno & Allegra Williams-Stirrat Shannon Moses Alicia Dobal The Zesty Zoomers