United States Numerous: Blake Denson (baritone), Kevin Miller (piano). George and Nora London Basis for Singers, The Morgan Library & Museum, New York, 28.4.2024. (RP)
Francesco Santoliquido – I canti della sera
Vaughan Williams – Songs of Journey
Conventional – ‘Wade within the Water’, ‘Deep River’, ‘Steal Away’ (arr. Shawn E. Okpebholo)
With baritone Blake Denson, it’s all concerning the voice, and a formidable instrument it’s certainly. On a summery spring afternoon, Denson returned to the Morgan Library with pianist Kevin Miller in a recital beneath the auspices of the George and Nora London Basis for Singers.
A local of Paducah, Kentucky, Denson was a 2022 winner of the annual London Competitors. Since then, he has gone on to sing with the Bayerische Staatsoper, Hamburg Staatsoper, English Nationwide Opera and Washington Nationwide Opera.
Addressing the viewers, Denson mentioned that he wished to abolish the notion {that a} track recital was an upscale affair. As a substitute, he wished to showcase normalcy and invited the viewers into what he thought-about to be his lounge. He wore blue denims, as a lot a nod in that route because it was attributable to a current fifty-pound weight reduction that left him with a restricted wardrobe.
Denson opened with Vaughan Williams’s Songs of Journey. His method to the songs was simple and, at instances, virtually brusque, however the sound of his voice was at all times classically elegant. There have been, nevertheless, tender moments.
In ‘Let Magnificence Awake’, Denson tapered the phrase ‘And the celebs are vivid within the west’ with the softest, loveliest tones, whereas Miller’s taking part in offered context and ambiance. ‘The Infinite Shining Heavens’ confirmed Denson at his most delicate as he floated the emotion-laden phrases.
One may have wished for a contact of reflection on the finish of his stalwart ‘Shiny is the Ring of Phrases’. Miller, nevertheless, provided that within the postlude that concludes the cycle.
Italian composer Francesco Santoliquido (1883-1971) wrote roughly twenty-six songs, in addition to different compositions. Though born in Naples, he lived a lot of years in Tunis. He was prolific and garnered worldwide recognition till his pro-fascist leanings dented his attraction within the years main as much as World Warfare II.
I canti della sera (The Songs of the Night) had been composed in 1908, 4 years earlier than Santoliquido moved to North Africa. In these days, Musical America praised them ‘because the best of contemporary live performance songs’. Stylistically, they’re a mixture of the colour and lyricism of Debussy and Richard Strauss mixed with the emotional pull and hovering melodies of Puccini.
Denson advised the viewers that the six songs within the cycle relaxation excessive within the voice, however that held no terrors for him. He ended ‘Alba di luna sul bosco’ with a ringing excessive be aware on ‘l’amore’, whereas in ‘Tristezza crepuscolare’ that very same good sound expressed melancholy and tears. The ultimate track was essentially the most aria-like, and it yielded among the sweetest sounds of the recital – particularly when Denson sang of a love that got here from afar, as do the sounds of bells, birds and the ocean.
This system ended with three Negro spirituals organized by Shawn E. Okpebholo. The Nigerian-American composer was included within the 2023 Musical America Prime 30 Professionals of the Year, and his solo album, Lord, How Come Me Right here?, a group of his reimagined spirituals, was nominated for a Grammy.
Denson is nothing if not disarmingly forthright as a performer and an individual. He mentioned that he programed the spirituals due to spiritual religion and, after a short pause, he added ‘and since I’m Black’. The viewers embraced him with a spontaneous outburst of warm-hearted laughter.
Okpebholo’s settings function the piano as a lot because the voice. Denson began ‘Wade within the Water’ with a deep, mournful growl, however Miller’s taking part in of the jazzy, furtive piano half added urgency. ‘Deep River’ started with a lyrical, evocative piano introduction, and Denson sang the hymn of hope with an beautiful disappointment.
The recital ended with ‘Steal Away’, during which singer and pianist displayed their deep connection to the music. Denson hums with as a lot resonance and emotion as he imparts when singing phrases.
This eloquent mixture of Denson’s rock-solid voice and the purity of Miller’s taking part in introduced the recital to an in depth. There have been no encores however loads of applause and cheers.
Rick Perdian
