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Early in the Morning (Rorem)

12/1/2020

1 Comment

 
By Bridget Skaggs
Picture
Me, traveling abroad in 2016. Photo Elliot Mandel.
This beloved 20th century art song floats in on a cloud of nostalgia.  The narrator recalls a single moment – most of us have experienced at least one – where time stood still and everything was right in the world.

Robert Hillyer's poem awakens the senses as he recalls the sights, sounds and scents of being in love while living abroad at age twenty.  The memory becomes more intoxicating with each new detail: It was a summer morning.  Perfect greenery hung overhead.  The sidewalks smelled of fresh rain as they were being washed down.

American composer Ned Rorem spent a formative decade of his own life living in France from 1949-1958.  He brings the poem to life with a lilting melody and gently rocking gestures in the piano.  Perhaps there is a single twinge of longing for the pleasures of youth as the narrator looks back on that distant moment; but then again, there is pleasure in keeping the memory alive across the years, too.

As you listen to this song, perhaps you will take a moment to resurface your own memories of youth, travel, and love.

​
Please enjoy this performance, featuring myself with pianist Mark Bilyeu, live in concert on February 2, 2017 at the State Street Gallery in Chicago.
Picture

Author

Bridget Skaggs is the founding mezzo-soprano and Executive Director of Fourth Coast Ensemble.  She studied opera at Oklahoma City University's Wanda L. Bass School of Music, and moved to Chicago in 2012 to pursue a dual career in singing and yoga.  Bridget's passion for art song grows from her lifelong love of words, communication, and the human voice.

1 Comment
Lawn Care Victoria link
9/29/2022 11:13:45 am

Awesome blog you have heere

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    Hello, and welcome to the blog!  We are Fourth Coast Ensemble, Chicago's classical vocal quartet.  Join a different member of our ensemble each week for insights into our favorite art songs, links to archival and new recordings, and reflections on why we value and continue to come back to this musical medium.  We proudly present, your weekly #artsongfix!

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Website photography by Elliot Mandel Photography
  • About
    • The Organization
    • Quartet & Staff Members
  • On Stage
    • Upcoming >
      • 2022-23 Season
      • 2022 Gala: Chicago Public Art in Song
      • Laughterreise: Liebeslieder Edition
      • Chicago songSLAM
      • Fine Folk
    • Past Seasons >
      • 2021-22 Season >
        • A Brush With Our Time, world premiere
        • Laughterreise
        • Roaring Twenties
        • Chicago songSLAM
        • End of Season Talent Show
      • 2021 HD Season >
        • Soprano | Mezzo Duo
        • Tenor | Bass Duo
        • Quartet Remix
        • songSLAM
      • 2019-20 Season >
        • Songs of Fourth Coast
        • American Woman
        • Between the Lines
        • Four by Four
  • Blog
  • Support
    • Give
  • Contact
  • Shop