tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35454870.post9084812499669799695..comments2009-04-20T08:50:37.069-07:00Spivey Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13979846744257304342noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35454870.post-66389423918197868522009-04-20T08:50:00.000-07:002009-04-20T08:50:00.000-07:00Thanks, Lila! Saturday's program was gorgeous, and many patrons commented on how great it was to discover "new" works like the Vittoria and Desprez, which to my ears were mesmerizingly beautiful, and seemed to suspend time. We had a special encore, too, in memory of Dotty Wilkes: Stephen Foster's "I Dream of Jeanie," with Chanticleer music director Matt Oltman singing the tenor solo. He told the story of how he met Dotty, when he'd flown into Atlanta for a performance with an eye infection, had to wear sunglasses on stage, and joked that he hoped an eye doctor was in the house. And there was! Dotty went backstage and introduced him to her opthomalogist husband, Wilkes, and got Matt treated that very night. A long friendship ensued. Matt's comments were very touching, and the tribute was heartfelt. Wilkes brought a fine oil painting of Dotty, too, which we displayed in the upper lobby.<br /><br />Friday's program was also marvelous. I was particularly taken by Barber's <I>Reincarnations</I>, which were richly sung, as were David Conte's <I>The Homecoming</I> and Eric Whitacre's "Sleep, My Child" from <I>Paradise Lost: Shadows and Wings</I>...first-rate works by American composers. And the Stephen Foster set to close was delectable, especially "Nelly Bly." There was lots of energy in the hall, and good spirit flowing generously from audience to stage and back -- in the best moments, we all had our "communion" with Chanticleer.<br /><br />At the Friday master class at Starr's Mill High School, when Chanticleer worked with the three high-school men's ensembles, we were all reminded of some of the fundamental truths of great singing: each note has a pitch, each word has a sound, and singing combines them. Each note and word must be polished, shaped, and refined, so that the combined sound conveys MEANING. Chanticleer's singers are acutely aware of these myriad choices, and they reach incredible heights of expression by making this process of synthesis seem effortless, when in fact it is the result of conscientious musicianship and lots of disciplined work. Though we don't always remember why, our ears know the difference when what we hear comes together so impressively.<br /><br />BRAVI TUTTI to the men of Chanticleer! We look forward to your return soon!Spivey Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13979846744257304342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35454870.post-31168224295817688942009-04-18T19:58:00.000-07:002009-04-18T19:58:00.000-07:00Chanticleer was wonderful on Saturday night!Lilahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10940373322446999630noreply@blogger.com