Bach Ich habe genug  - I Have Enough BVW 82
Violin I - Anita Louwerse
Violin II - Nick Carlucci
Viola - Jeff Komar
Cello - Patrick Theriault
Oboe - Joel Heinbuch
Harpsichord - Melanie Cancade

Brahms Vier ernste Gesänge - Four Serious Songs Op. 121
Piano - Melanie Cancade

P.D.Q. Bach Four Next-To-Last Songs S. Ω-1
Piano - Melanie Cancade

The repertoire of this recital is music that I've always wanted to sing. I've never had the opportunity to sing them and, admittedly, didn't really feel ready to do so until now. They are each challenging in their own way and I'm delighted to present them to you. 

The Bach is one of two cantatas Bach wrote for the bass voice. It illustrates Simeon's reaction to seeing the baby Jesus in the temple in Jerusalem. It's full of hope, longing, and joy. I'm delighted to present this cantata to you with the help of a small string ensemble and harpsichord. Hearing Bach with a small chamber "orchestra" like this is a real pleasure and amplifies the impact of Bach's beautiful writing.

The Brahms cycle of four songs is based on the books of Ecclesiastes, Second Corinthians, and the extra-biblical book of Ecclesiasticus. The first two songs consider the state of humankind and reflect on the injustice we inflict on one another. The third compares the bitterness and boon of death. The last song changes tone as though Brahms were providing his own answer to these three problems: if we don't have love, we're nothing and have nothing.

The PDQ Bach songs are just plain funny and are a loving, though hilarious, parody of the German art music genre. I heard these on a recording some time ago and wrote to the composer asking to purchase the music, which wasn't available at the time. I'm so happy he agreed and am really excited to share them with you.

This is a free concert and I hope many of you can come!