October 2, 2024 Chaminade Program

Frances Nelson, piano and 

Michael Beattie , organ

at St James Episcopal Church

October 16, 2024 Chaminade Program,

Cecelia Stearman, mezzo soprano 

and Daniel Moraru, piano 

at Northminster Baptist Church 


   Cecelia Stearman, mezzo-soprano, treated Chaminade members and guests to a presentation of Jewish Liturgical Music of the Season. She, in collaboration with organist Ray Smithee and Rabbi Debra Kassoff, has provided special music during the High Holy Days for the Hebrew Union Congregation in Greenville. It is this special music that was presented with verbal explanations by Rabbi Kassoff.

    From the opening blessings of peace to the closing remembrance of loved ones gone, from quotations of Psalms to a medieval poem and an historic absolution from vows, from quiet introspective lyricism to grand statements of glory, Cecelia and Ray took us on a musical journey of faith. Cecelia’s warm, rich vocal color captivated listeners, and Ray’s clean, expressive organ playing enhanced her singing. Rabbi Kassoff gave historical background and an understanding of the significance each piece had in the worship context.

   Particular personal favorites were the grand K’dushah followed by the introspective Yih’yu L’ratzon. The Kol Nidrei was of special interest, since several composers have used this traditional melody in their instrumental writing. The pairing of two settings of Avinu Malkeinu was especially delightful, the second set to a cultural folk tune.

    Next, Daniel Moraru, a Belhaven University student from Moldova, presented his junior recital program. Bach’s Prelude and Fugue in C# Minor from WTC I was expressive and lyric with voiced lines and clear fugal entrances. His stunning performance of Chopin’s G Minor Ballade was clearly the audience’s favorite! It showcased both his musical sensitivity and virtuosic technique. Closing the program were three pieces from Prokofiev’s Sarcasms, displaying both lyricism and biting percussiveness. We wish him success in presenting his recital in November and in completing his studies in 2026.

Notes by Chaminade member Carolyn Sachs

 


November 6, 2024 Chaminade program

Sarah Wade, soprano

and The Wilhurst Piano Quartet

at St. James Episcopal Church

November 20, 2024 Chaminade Program

Bebe Wolfe, mezzo soprano and 

Lawrence Goldman, piano

at St Philips Episcopal Church

      Members of Chaminade Club were treated to a delightful afternoon of music on November 20, 2024 at St. Philips Episcopal Church.

    Bebe Wolfe, mezzo-soprano was confidently accompanied by David O’Steen. Her opening Bach aria from his Magnificat was musically sensitive with a consistent placement and sound. The long runs were especially well executed!
 The Rachmaninoff Vocalise was next, displaying beautifully planned phrases and well-chosen breaths. The three pieces by Hundley showed a variety of emotions. The first, Come Ready and See Me, was very poignant. Bebe’s mellow mezzo color enhanced the clearly presented text. Moonlight’s Watermelon was humorous with a ragtime feel which David supported with the bold accompaniment. Waterbird wove long languid lines to conclude Bebe’s program.
    Particularly notable was Bebe’s confident memorization of the entire program! It was quite an undertaking, and very successful!

       Larry Goldman gave a varied and captivating program. Since there was not a second musician to influence balance, the piano lid was fully raised which allowed the full range of the piano’s dynamics to speak. A Scarlatti sonata was first, expressive and singing with interesting and creative key shifts.  The second section contained Scarlatti’s characteristic virtuosic scales which Larry played cleanly and effortlessly.
 Scriabin’s Poeme, highly chromatic and wandering, had complex interwoven lines which Larry beautifully voiced.
 The set of Lyric Pieces, Op. 65 by Grieg was a special treat. All six pieces were lyric in character and presented with dynamic articulations and excellent pedaling. Beautifully shaped phrases, lively melodies, and exciting octaves in From Early Years contrasted with the simplicity of Peasant’s Song. Melancholy had a boldly voiced melody which allowed for a range of softer levels in other voices. Salon was light, playful, and Chopinesque. Ballad was more somber with excellent treatment of the layered melodic lines, all shaped and voiced. The famous favorite, Wedding Day at Troldhaugen, was joyful with a bright tempo, contrasting dynamics, exceptional left-hand arpeggio passagework, spectacular alternating hands, and an achingly expressive middle section.

      Thanks to both of our artist members for such a well-prepared, confidently presented, and musically satisfying program!

notes by Chaminade member Carolyn Sachs