Spring 2013 - Island Chamber Singers

Island Chamber Singers present DIE ERSTE WALPURGISNACHT and other works by Felix Mendelssohn Friday, April 12, 2013 at 7:00 PM Sunday, April 14, 2013 at 3:00 PM Jane Lindberg, Music Director Sharon Barry, Accompanist ISLAND CHAMBER SINGERS Present Featuring the music of FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809-­‐1847) On Wings of Song Arranged by Nancy Grundahl Women’s Chorus Der Erste Frühlingstag, Op. 48 (The First Day of Spring) 1. Frühlingsahnung (Spring is in the Air) 2. Die Primel (The Primrose) 3. Frühlingsfeier (Celebration of Spring) 4. Lerchengesang (The Song of the Lark) 5. Morgengebet (Morning Prayer) 6. Herbstlied (Autumn Song) Die Waldvögelein (The Woodland Singers) Die Nachtigall (The Nightingale) INTERMISSION The First Walpurgis Night Overture Bad Weather The Transition to Springtime 1. "Now May again" – Hansford Joiner (a Druid), with women's chorus 2. "Know ye not a deed so daring" – Deborah Watford (aged woman of the people) 3. "The man who flies our sacrifice" – David Scheininger (the Priest) 4. "Disperse, disperse ye gallant men!" – chorus of Druid Guards 5. "Should our Christian foes assail us" – Scott Tinman (a Druid Guard) 6. "Come with flappers, fire and clappers" – the Druid Guards 7. "Restrain'd by might, we now by night" – Priest, chorus of Druids & heathen people 8. "Help, my comrades, see a legion" – Hansford Joiner (a Christian Guard) 9. "Unclouded now, the flame is bright" – general chorus of Druids & heathen people
Sopranos Altos Kimberly Aikens Caryl Ferry Lisa Flick Ursula Forbes Rose Gladney Dawn Juds Lesley MacLaughlin Jane Sandhaus-­‐Packer Eileen Searle Kathy Stevenson Barbara Swearingen Deborah Watford Micki Watters-­‐Smith Joan Cipriano Sara Dixon Kathy Johnson Bonnie Liteborn Ellie McGrath Letty Rubin Susan Silverio Janet Sisson Mary Williams Tenors Tucker Arnold Harry Lewis Diane McGee Mack Sisson Keith Thompson Orchestra Sharon Barry, piano David Paul, violin Jessie Polanis, violin II Judy Steinmeyer, viola Brittany Maroney, cello Earnie Ealum, bass Susan Magg, flute Pegge Ealum, flute/piccolo Dr. Randy Tinnin, trumpet Rick Kirkland, timpani Aaron Plotz, percussion Bass Eli Seagraves Bill Taylor Scott Tinman Spence Turner Jack Weber Soloists Deborah Watford -­‐ Alto Hansford Joiner -­‐ Tenor David Scheininger -­‐ Baritone Scott Tinman -­‐ Bass Board of Directors Mack Sisson -­‐ General Manager Letty Rubin -­‐ Venue & Attire Ellie McGrath -­‐ Tickets Ginger Lindberg -­‐ Publicity/Design Joan Cipriano -­‐ Publicity/Editor Eli Seagraves -­‐ Member-­‐at-­‐Large Felix Mendelssohn was born in 1809 in Germany to wealthy parents, Abraham and Lea. Abraham was a very successful banker who provided musical training to both Felix and his sister, Fanny. The young Felix was a child prodigy much in the same mold as Mozart. But instead of dragging him all over Europe as Mozart was by his father, Abraham provided an orchestra at home for the children to perform their various works for the intellectually elite members of Berlin's society. At the age of 16, he composed the "Octet for Strings" and at 17, composed his version of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream. He studied composition with Carl Friedrich Zelter who introduced him to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe (1749-­‐1832). It was through this connection that Mendelssohn was given the opportunity to set Goethe's poem, Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, to music. In 1829, Mendelssohn conducted a revival of J.S. Bach's St. Matthew Passion 100 years after the original performance in Leipzig at the St. Thomas Church. It was because of his advocacy of Bach's music that we know it so well today. In 1835 Mendelssohn became the municipal music director of Leipzig and was the conductor of the Gewandhaus Orchestra. This incredible orchestra is still in existence today. He also founded the Leipzig Conservatory and had a tremendous influence on the musical life of his adopted city. Mendelssohn was a Renaissance man. A very talented watercolorist, he also was known for his comic cartoons and witty writings. He married Cecile Jeanrenaud in 1838 and had an idyllic marriage. They were very happy together and produced five children. He was an anomaly compared to his Romantic contemporaries. Most, such as Schumann, Beethoven and Schubert, had torturous lives filled with angst and personal upheavals, whereas Mendelssohn lived a well-­‐ordered and peaceful existence. In the All Music Guide his music is described as that in which a "distinct personality emerges at once in its exceptional formal sophistication, its singular melodic sense and its colorful, masterful deployment of the instrumental forces at hand…absolutely overflows with energy, ebullience, drama and invention." Mendelssohn's Choral Lieder Mendelssohn was well known for his treatment of choral lieder. These were unaccompanied part songs that were to be sung in informal settings, maybe even outdoors, as a social activity for musicians and music lovers. Of course, they had no television so music became the vehicle for entertainment. We will be performing one of his song cycles, Der Erste Frühlingstag, Op. 48, translated as the First Day of Spring. There are six pieces in this work. Additionally, we will sing "Die Nachtigall" (Nightingale) and "Die Waldvögelein" (Woodland Singers). In the lieder genre there were two types: strophic and through-­‐
composed. In the first, the lyrics were set to the same tune. In the second, the music was different in order to reflect the text appropriately. In the Op. 48, "Die Primel" (Primrose) is an example of a strophic piece whereas "Herbstlied" (Autumn Song) is an example of through-­‐composed. The translations in the program were graciously done for us by Fernandina resident Richard Tiensch. The women's chorus of chamber singers will perform a favorite song of Mendelssohn's, "On Wings of Song." This version has new words and is arranged for three-­‐part women. However, the accompaniment is Mendelssohn's. Die Erste Walpurgisnacht, Op. 6O Walpurgis Night is still celebrated in Europe, especially in the Scandinavian countries, and occurs on the eve of May 1st. Kurt Pahlen wrote the following in his book, In the World of Oratorio, 1990. "The story is how a prank allows for a local tradition to take place in spite of opposition from an intolerant new regime. The Druids and local heathen would celebrate May Day but, as a women's chorus warns, this is now forbidden. The Druid priests counter that those who fear to sacrifice deserve their chains. A comic solution emerges as a Druid watchman suggests a masquerade of the Devil, spirits and demons to frighten the occupying Christians. The Christians are scared away. And the Druids and heathen are left to celebrate Spring and the Sun." Goethe, the poet, wrote a letter to Carl Zelter in November of 1812 about the poem. "One of our German antiquarians has endeavoured to rescue, and to give an historical foundation for the story of the witches' and devils' ride on the Brocken, a legend which has been current in Germany from time immemorial. His explanation is that the heathen priests and patriarchs of Germany, when they were driven from their sacred groves and when Christianity was forced upon the people, used to retire at the beginning of spring with their faithful followers to the wild, inaccessible heights of the Harz Mountains, in order, according to the ancient custom, there to offer prayer and flame to the unembodied god of heaven and earth. I found this explanation somewhere… but cannot remember the name of the author. The idea pleased me, and I have turned this fabulous story back again into a poetical fable." The work starts with two overtures, "Bad Weather" and "Transition into Springtime," and is followed by strophes or verses. The story is told through soloists (alto, tenor, baritone and bass) and a chorus who participate as characters in the drama. It can be likened to unstaged opera. -­‐ Jane Lindberg
On Wings of Song Original words by Nancy Grundahl On wings of song we wander through melodies so fair. Music's beauty we ponder, our joys and sorrows bear. All songs of nature are thronging and fill the skies above. Our hearts for beauty are longing, for songs of life and love. Our souls with joy are smiling as notes are sounding clear. Melodies beguiling, all humankind give ear. The harmonies abounding, the warbling birds at dawn, And in the distance sounding, the sacred song goes on. All creatures of nature are singing, their voices in joy taking flight. The universe is ringing with songs of pure delight. Der Erste Frühlingstag, Op. 41
Der Erste Frühlingstag The First Day of Spring Frühlingsahnung O sanfter, süsser hauch! Schon weckest du wieder mir frühlingslieder, bald blühen die veilchen auch. O sanfter, süsser hauch! Spring is in the Air A soft and sweet breeze blows! You awaken me with songs of spring. Soon the violets will bloom too. A soft and sweet breeze blows! Die Primel The Primrose Liebliche blume, bist du so früh schon wieder gekommen? Sei mir gegrüsset, botin des frühlings! Leiser denn aIle blumen der Wiese hast du gesohlummert, liebliche primel, botin des frühlings! Sei mir gegrüsset, botin des frühlings! Lovely flower, did you arrive again so early? You are greeted as the announcer of spring. Quieter than any other flower in the meadow, You rested in sleep, you lovely primrose, announcer of spring. Frühlingsfeier Celebration of Spring Süsser, gold'ner frühlingstag! Inneges entzücken! Wenn mir je ein Lied gelang, Sollt' es heut' nicht glücken? Doch warum in dieser zeit an die arbeit treten? Frühling ist ein hohes fest: lasst mich ruh'n und beten. Sweet and golden day of Spring gives one A thorough pleasure! If I compose a song today, Why should I not succeed? But why should I, at this time, Think of work? Spring is to be honored: Let me rest and pray. Lerchengesang The Song of the Lark Wie lieblicher kang, o Lerche, dein sang! er hebt sich, er schwingt sich in wonne. Du nimmst mich von hier, ich singe mit dir, wir steigen durch wolken zur sonne. Morgengebet How lovely the sound, Oh lark is your song. He lifts up And flies off with happiness. Take me away from here and I will sing with you, And we will glide through the clouds to the sun. Morning Prayer O wunderbares tiefes schweigen, wie einsam ist's noch auf der welt! Die wälder nur sich leise neigen, als ging' der Herr durch's stille feld. Ich fühle mich wie neu geschaffen Wo ist die sorge nun und noth? Was gestern noch mich wollt' erschlaffen dess schäm' ich mich im morgenroth. Die welt mit ihrem gram und glücke will ich, ein pilger, froh bereit betreten nur als eine brücke zu dir, Herr, uber'm strom der zeit.
O wonderful deep silence. How lonesome And quiet it is in this world! The forests show only little movement as if the Lord would walk through quiet fields. I feel as if I have been newly born. Where are the worries and the needs? My goals and plans I had yesterday I am ashamed of now as I witness the lit-­‐up morning sky. The world with all its worries and happiness will I, a wanderer, step into on the way to you, Lord, crossing the river of time. Herbstlied Holder Lenz, du bist dahin! Nirgends, nirgends darfst du bleiben! Wo ich sah' dein frohes blüh'n braust des herbstes banges treiben. Wie der wind so traurig fuhr
durch den strauch, als ob er weine; Sterbeseufzer der natur schauern durch die welken haine. Wieder ist, wie bald, wie bald! Mir ein jahr dahin geschwunden. Fragend rauscht es durch den wald: Hat dein herz sein glück gefunden? Waldesrauschen, wunderbar hast du mir das Herz getroffen! Treulich bringt ein jedes Jahr, neues Laub wie neues hoffen. Autumn Song You beautiful Spring, you are on the way out. No one allows you to stay. I witnessed your beautiful blooming Autumn's anxious bluster now roars. How sadly the wind drives through the bushes, as if it wept; Dying signs of nature shudder through the withered groves. Again, it is how soon, soon and soon, a year will be gone.
It is as if the forest is asking: Did your heart find happiness? Forest murmurs, wonderfully You have touched my heart! Truly, every year brings rich new foliage, as new hope. Die Waldvögelein (The Woodland Singers) Come, let us leave the city and for the woods be bound. Where birds trill out their ditty till hill and dale resound. With you, we raise our voices in song, O warbling birds. For happy song rejoices our hearts with gladsome words. How happy we now living like you, as free as air. In peace and gladness thriving secure from every care. Die Nachtigall Die Nachtigall sie war enfernt, Der Frühling lockt sie wieder:
Was neues hat sie nicht gelernt. Singt alte liebe lieder. T he Nightingale The Nightingale who flew away, In springtime back is winging: No untried note is in her lay. We love her old sweet singing.
St. George Tucker and Deborah Arnold William and Lisa Bauer Robin and Bob Bolan Sam and Barbara Boyd Charlene Bratton Anne and Jay Butler Nicole and Jean Claude Casavant Sylvia and Ken Cherry Joan and Mike Cipriano Walter and Pat Conti Norman and Leah Dalton Ruth and Al Desnoyers Gaston Desnoyers Susan and Doran Donovan James Doucett Fay and Bob Ehrman Attavia Facciolo Caryl and Jack Ferry Lisa and Ron Flick Barbara Fuller Janet Gatty Rose Gladney and Marcia Winter Robert Godfrey Pat and John Goodall Bob and Joan Hackett Grace Harmon Michael and Jennifer Harrison Robert and Janet Hartig Bob and Pat Henderson Sally and Tom Henderson Jim and Peggy Holz Jerry and Lisa Hooper Nina Rodale Houghton Wayne and Margaret Howard Nancy and Scott Inboden Kathy and Perk Johnson Dawn and Dennis Juds Claudia and Stan Kavans Jack and Beverly Keigwin Joanna Kennard Eunice Kurtz Linda Laine Harry and Mimi Lewis LouAnne and Skip Lind Jane and Bob Lindberg Bill and Carole Long Lesley MacLaughlin Joseph and Carrie Marasco Sandy McClesky Ellie McGrath Ruth and Craig Moore Frank and Mary O'Donnell Alice and Joel Payne Jane and Cary Peterson Teen and Jeff Peterson Nancy Phillips Wally and Betty Poor Lyn Rion Patty Roberts Letty and Ned Rubin Jane Sandhaus-­‐Packer John and Diane Pasieka Eileen Searle Elizabeth H. Sharp Karen and Phil Shehi Anne H. Showalter Susan and Tom Silverio Eleanore M. Simon Angharad Sinclair Mack and Janet Sisson Marie J. Sloan Carol Beck and Michael Spicer Mike Spino and Susan Henderson Don and Dee Stalcup Kathy and John Stevenson Barbara and Bert Swearingen Marilyn and Keith Thompson Clay and Yvonne Treska Spence and Jan Turner Mary Vollenweider Deborah and Paul Watford Karen and Jack Weber Kathy and Gary Weisfeld Warren and Joyce Wells Rosalie Wessel Kate and Don Wiest Diane Pasieka and the FICS-­‐its (Friends of Island Chamber Singers) for selling tickets, ushering and providing the reception following Friday night's performance. Richard Tiensch Mike Harrison Amelia Plantation Chapel -­‐ Eileen Searle Springer Controls Company ♪♫♪
The Island Chamber Singers was formed in May 2004 by means of a community meeting to see if there was enough interest in starting a choral group to perform only classical literature. There was that interest and the group was formed with Jane Lindberg, DMA as Music Director. The first concert was performed in November 2004 at First Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach. Twenty-­‐four members of the group sang with a professional string quartet. Since that time, Island Chamber Singers has grown to thirty-­‐five strong. The vision of the group is to provide an opportunity for members to sing classical literature and to develop an audience in Nassau County for that literature. Next year we will celebrate our 10th anniversary. To commemorate this occasion we will be looking back to perform some of our favorite works of the past, and looking forward by adding new pieces to our repertoire. We hope that you will join us in our celebration of ten years of bringing classical choral music to our community. For more information visit www.IslandChamberSingers.com or call (904) 225-­‐0575.