Upward and Onward

I would love to say that after my recital, I was able to take a few days off and celebrate.  But it was back to work on Monday for me! Such is the life of an accompanist....but we love it ;o).

I played on Friday night for a non-degree recital, off-campus. We performed 4 songs by French composer, Reynaldo Hahn (one of my favorites) as well as Samuel Barber's "Hermit Songs."   The latter are settings of the poetry of monks from the 9th-14th centuries, and the set has become standard in the vocal repertoire. I had never learned all of them - so it was good for me, especially because they're not easy. I have no doubt that I will play them all again - so having performed them once, I am not as scared of them!

One of my favorite texts (although I love them all!) is "The Monk and His Cat":

"Pangur, white Pangur,

How happy we are

Alone together,

Scholar and cat.

Each has his own work to do daily;

For you it is hunting, for me study.

Your shining eye watches the wall;

My feeble eye is fixed on a book.

You rejoice when your claws entrap a mouse;

I rejoice when my mind fathoms a problem.

Pleased with his own art,

Neither hinders the other;

Thus we live ever

Without tedium and envy.

Pangur, white Pangur,

How happy we are

Alone together,

Scholar and cat."

After the recital, I went out with my friends Nadja and Rayna, both in my program. Rayna had performed her degree recital earlier in the evening, and I had promised that I would buy her a drink to celebrate. I am blessed to have such wonderful friends and colleagues. 

The church where I got to perform on Friday night.

Nadja and me

Rayna celebrating the completion of her recital!