Graduation Recital

These recordings are live, unedited, and represent where I was at the time – with mistakes, struggles and accomplishments…

The sound files were recorded on a hand-held cassette recorder from the middle of the concert hall. This recital was in partial fulfillment of senior performance requirements for the degree Bachelor of Music with a major in voice from Meredith College, Raleigh, NC. Donna’s voice teacher was Beatrice Donley.

Graduation Recital, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

Donna Rose Stewart, soprano

Donna Stewart, Soprano
Meredith College
GRADUATION RECITAL

Assisted by Susan Faulk Stedman, pianist
(Click on hot links for sound files or lyrics.)

I.

From Cosi fan tutte
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1759-1791)
In Cosi fan tutte, two young men (Guglielmo and Ferrando) set out to prove to a friend that their fiancees (Fiordiligi and Dorabella) are as faithful as they are beautiful. The two men pretend to go off to war, and return disguised as Albanians. Each tries to seduce the other’s fiancee.

Recitative: Ei parte senti
Aria: Per pieta, ben mio perdona

Fiordiligi expresses relief that the “Albanian” has gone. She confesses that she is torn by unworthy desires. She then surrenders herself to repentance and self-rebuke.

Recitative: Temerari
Aria: Come scoglio

Fiordiligi, irritated at the young men’s persistence, orders them out. Her love is unmoved and she reprimands the “Albanians” for trying to change her affections.

II.
Die Forelle
Franz Schubert (1797-1828)
I watched as the playful trout bathed in a bright little stream. On the bank, a fisherman coldly watched the trout’s windings. He treacherously dulled the stream, his rod jerked, the fish struggled on his hook. I felt my blood stir as I looked at the cheated trout.

Die junge Nonne
Schubert
How the roaring storm howls through the treetops! Once tumult raged within me, now there is peace and rest. I await my Heavenly Bridegroom to redeem my soul from its earthly prison. The bells from the tower allure me to mighty, eternal heights. Alleluja!

Auf dem Wasser zu singen
Schubert
As the wavering boat glides on the wave, so the soul glides on the shimmering waters of joy. Tomorrow again, time will drift away as it did yesterday and today. Till I, on higher wings, shall vanish from the changing time.

III.
Chanson triste
Henri Duparc (1848-1933)
To flee life’s intrusions, I would drown myself in the light of your smile. I forget the past sorrows when you soothe my mournful heart in the calming affection of your arms! In your eyes, I drink many tender kisses – perhaps I am healed . . .

Psyche
Emile Paladilhe (1844-1926)
I am jealous, Psyche, of all nature! The sun’s rays kiss you, the wind caresses you, the air that you breathe passes over your mouth. Yet, when you sigh, I am frightened away.

Mandoline
Claude Debussy (1862-1918)
The givers of songs and the pretty listeners exchange tasteless remarks under the singing boughs. They whirl in ecstasy in the rose-grey moonlight, while the mandoline chatters on the shivering breeze.

IV.
In the Silent Night (lyrics)
Sergei Rachmaninoff (1873-1943)

Knock on the Door (lyrics)
Bainbridge Crist (1883-1969)

The Bird of the Wilderness (lyrics)
Edward Horsman (1873-1918)

English Translations for I, II, and III
Copyright © 1978 Donna Rose Stewart, All Rights Reserved

Graduation Recital, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

One thought on “Graduation Recital

  1. Oldeyellercat [Henry Leland] pseu says:

    Chanson Triste, Psyche, the bird of the wilderness so touchingly beautiful. Thank you so much for going to all the trouble to make them available for our enjoyment. My only regret: that I didn’t take time as a young man to discover their beauty. Almost touched upon them with Yma Sumac but I let it slip away from me down through the years. All that remained was La Mer by Claude Debussy, which – like any first love – has always been dear to me. Thank you, Donna.

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