MISSION

We are here to encourage the development of gifted young singers and to stimulate the growth of New York City's invaluable chamber opera companies. But we will not neglect the Metropolitan Opera either. Get ready for bouquets and brickbats.

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

A YOUNG ARTIST LAUNCHED

Philip Stoddard
Benedicte Jourdois

Baritone Philip Stoddard launched his graduation recital at Juilliard with Pietro Cimara's  1919 "Canto di Privavera"; a better opening could not be imagined, not only because of its seasonal suitability but because it showcased everything at which this young artist excels.  He has an eagerness to connect with his audience and to share his love of singing which makes everyone in the audience feel included.  He uses his voice well but also employs facial expression and body movement to convey the meaning of the text.  His Italian diction was so clear that the absence of translation was forgotten.  "Open your windows to the sun and your heart to love!"  YES!!!  We will!
 He continued his program of early 20th songs with selections from Ravel's Histoires naturelles.  With great onstage ease, Mr. Stoddard introduced them to the audience so that the uninitiated might listen for the characteristics of each animal in the piano preludes, which collaborative pianist Benedicte Jourdois played so well.  We heard the narcissistic peacock and the industrious cricket, the graceful swan and the striking Kingfisher; but it was the aggressive and scurrying guinea hen that we enjoyed the most.  We wished however that Mr. Stoddard's diction in French matched his superlative diction in Italian.  

We caannot comment on his diction in Russian since that is the one language we do not speak. We can say that it brought his sound forward to a really good place, was well enunciated and sounded musical.  We have been hearing lots of Rachmaninoff lately and have noticed that often the passionate piano parts overwhelm the singer; we were pleased to note here that Ms. Jourdois felt no need to do so and enjoyed the mutuality between singer and pianist.  The sound was lovely and we did wish that we understood Russian.  It was not difficult, however, to decipher the 1902 "Fate", our personal  favorite which Mr. Stoddard performed with great commitment.  Apparently Rachmaninoff was  paying tribute to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Amongst the American songs, we particularly enjoyed Bolcom's "Murray the furrier" which allowed Mr. Stoddard's personality to shine.  Selections from Mahler's Rückert Lieder followed with every emotional nuance given its due.  We loved the pianissimo given to the the word "frbeen hearing lots of Rachmaninoff lately and have noticed that often the passionate piano parts overwhelm the singer; we were pleased to note here that Ms. Jourdois felt no need to do so and enjoyed the mutuality between singer and pianist.  The sound was lovely and we did wish that we understood Russian.  It was not difficult, however, to decipher the 1902 "Fate", our personal  favorite which Mr. Stoddard performed with great commitment.  Apparently Rachmaninoff was  paying tribute to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Amongst the American songs, we particularly enjoyed Bolcom's "Murray the furrier" which allowed Mr. Stoddard's personality to shine.  Selections from Mahler's Rückert Lieder followed with every emotional nuance given its due.  We loved the pianissimo given to the the word "frühling" in "Liebst du um Schönheit"; it was one of those special moments.

As encore, Mr. Stoddard sang "A simple song" from Bernstein's Mass.  We have not said anything yet about his voice; it is a fine instrument but it is the singer's artistry and musicality that gained our attention.  Still in the earliest stage of his career, we trust it will be launched with the same success as the opening of this recital.  We are looking forward to hearing more from this promising young artistartist.artist                                                                                                        © mec

As encore, Mr. Stoddard sang "A simple soPhilip Stoddard
Benedicte Jourdois

Baritone Philip Stoddard launched his graduation recital at Juilliard with Pietro Cimara's  1919 "Canto di Privavera"; a better opening could not be imagined, not only because of its seasonal suitability but because it showcased everything at which this young artist excels.  He has an eagerness to connect with his audience and to share his love of singing which makes everyone in the audience feel included.  He uses his voice well but also employs facial expression and body movement to convey the meaning of the text.  His Italian diction was so clear that the absence of translation was forgotten.  "Open your windows to the sun and your heart to love!"  YES!!!  We will!

 He continued his program of early 20th songs with selections from Ravel's Histoires naturelles.  With great onstage ease, Mr. Stoddard introduced them to the audience so that the uninitiated might listen for the characteristics of each animal in the piano preludes, which collaborative pianist Benedicte Jourdois played so well.  We heard the narcissistic peacock and the industrious cricket, the graceful swan and the striking Kingfisher; but it was the aggressive and scurrying guinea hen that we enjoyed the most.  We wished however that Mr. Stoddard's diction in French matched his superlative diction in Italian. 


We caannot comment on his diction in Russian since that is the one language we do not speak. We can say that it brought his sound forward to a really good place, was well enunciated and sounded musical.  We have been hearing lots of Rachmaninoff lately and have noticed that often the passionate piano parts overwhelm the singer; we were pleased to note here that Ms. Jourdois felt no need to do so and enjoyed the mutuality between singer and pianist.  The sound was lovely and we did wish that we understood Russian.  It was not difficult, however, to decipher the 1902 "Fate", our personal  favorite which Mr. Stoddard performed with great commitment.  Apparently Rachmaninoff was  paying tribute to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Amongst the American songs, we particularly enjoyed Bolcom's "Murray the furrier" which allowed Mr. Stoddard's personality to shine.  Selections from Mahler's Rückert Lieder followed with every emotional nuance given its due.  We loved the pianissimo given to the the word "frbeen hearing lots of Rachmaninoff lately and have noticed that often the passionate piano parts overwhelm the singer; we were pleased to note here that Ms. Jourdois felt no need to do so and enjoyed the mutuality between singer and pianist.  The sound was lovely and we did wish that we understood Russian.  It was not difficult, however, to decipher the 1902 "Fate", our personal  favorite which Mr. Stoddard performed with great commitment.  Apparently Rachmaninoff was  paying tribute to Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Amongst the American songs, we particularly enjoyed Bolcom's "Murray the furrier" which allowed Mr. Stoddard's personality to shine.  Selections from Mahler's Rückert Lieder followed with every emotional nuance given its due.  We loved the pianissimo given to the the word "frühling" in "Liebst du um Schönheit"; it was one of those special moments.

As encore, Mr. Stoddard sang "A simple song" from Bernstein's Mass.  We have not said anything yet about his voice; it is a fine instrument but it is the singer's artistry and musicality that gained our attention.  Still in the earliest stage of his career, we trust it will be launched with the same success as the opening of this recital.  We are looking forward to hearing more from this promising young artistartist.artist ng" from Bernstein's Mass.  We have not said anything yet about his voice; it is a fine instrument but it is the singer's artistry and musicality that gained our attention.  Still in the earliest stage of his career, we trust it will be launched with the same success as the opening of this recital.  We are looking forward to hearing more from this promising young artist.artist                                                                                                        © meche kroop
                                   

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