“Scherzo”

Ottorino Respighi, "Scherzo"
Katherine DeYoung, mezzo-soprano; Chris Reynolds, piano

In music, a light, energetic scherzo (literally "joke") is invariably brief, as is this song. Respighi, who composed it in 1906, crammed a great deal into barely a minute of music. The singer is at the windowsill, and initially she can't decide whether it was a kiss and not just the wind that brushed her cheek. Finally she concludes that it was indeed a kiss after all. The vocal line and accompaniment scamper along, with jumping bits of staccato throughout the piano part and with every note from the singer on a different syllable, as if the singer were simply speaking excitedly to herself.

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*** Ryan Opera Center Ensemble

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About the Ryan Opera Center

About the Ryan Opera Center

The Patrick G. and Shirley W. Ryan Opera Center is Lyric's preeminent artist-development program that nurtures the talents of some of the most promising operatic singers and pianists of each generation. The program's Ensemble members earn their coveted spot by successfully auditioning among more than 400 artists worldwide. Its alumni are among the dominant names in opera today. Donor generosity ensures continued unparalleled training, performance experience, and professional readiness of Ensemble members. This highly competitive program, established in 1974, is honored to enjoy the support of acclaimed soprano Renée Fleming as Advisor, along with full-time staff Director Dan Novak, Music Director Craig Terry, and Director of Vocal Studies Julia Faulkner.

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Photos: Kyle Flubacker