I first conceived of this recital while I was at Middlebury College studying German this past summer (many thanks to the Undergraduate Language Grant!). One of the vocal teachers mentioned that Die Nacht and Morgen are often paired together, as they are opposites, and it is only natural that darkness gives way to light. From then on, the wheels started turning. I knew I wanted to program a recital about hope and finding light in a dark world.

The first half of my recital is centered around betrayal, fear, and loss. I begin with Strauss’ Die Nacht, filled with fear that Death will steal my beloved. Ach, was Kummer, Qual und Schmerzen and Die Verschwiegen respond to a betrayal by a loved one; however, as they are victims, they are powerless to stand up to the perpetrator. Armida abbandonata picks up after the sorceress Armida is abandoned by her human…