Sacred Seasons

Sometimes when we look forward to a coming event our excitement overshoots the posibility and then we are disappointed. It is great when the reality lives up to, and in this case, offers more than we anticipated.

Billye Brown Youmans, soprano, Charles Woodward, piano, and Barbara Chapman, harp, presented a program of art song and instrumental pieces that were pure pleasure. On Monday, January 21, 2002 at Hofheimer Theatre on Virginia Wesleyan's campus, a program called Sacred Seasons was presented: Advent, Christmas, Epiphany, Lent, Easter and Ascension.

From the opening number Simple Song from Mass by Bernstein (1919-1990), I had a deep feeling of being in a safe space, bathed in the beauty of Billye's voice and my heart filled with the joy and comfort offered. This song of praise was followed by Nun wandre, Marie, by Hugo Wolf (1860-1903) and Slumber song of the Madonna by Samuel Barber (1910-1981). I was thrilled by the way Billye's voice caressed the oft-repeated phrase "I love thee." She closed the set with Hénri Büsser's (1872-1973) Le Sommeil de L'Enfant Jésus.

Next, Barbara Chapman played a lovely piece Six Noëls by Marcel Tournier (1879-1951). Steve was so entranced by the beautiful playing that he would like to get a recording. Unfortunately we haven't found one on CD yet.

Following the harp solo pieces, John S. Dixon's Songs of Syon for soprano and harp was given its premier performance. The text of the four songs is taken from a 19th century hymnal. Advent: While the Careless World is Sleeping. Christmas: When Jordan Hush'd His Waters Still. Good Friday: A Time to Watch, A Time to Pray, and Easter: When Two Friends on Easter Day. John Dixon set the texts for Billye to allow for full use of her vocal and dramatic resources. The harp sounds enfolded and enriched the voice.

After intermission, Billye Brown Youmans sang three songs on an Easter theme: Unto Thee O Lord from a song cycle Gates of Healing by Andrew Bleckner (b. 1964), The Crucifixion from Hermit Songs by Samuel Barber and Alleluia by Ned Rorem (b. 1923), with its very dramatic ending. The collaboration between voice and piano brought these intense songs alive with control and lovely tones.

Charles Woodward then played J.S. Bach's (1685-1750) Prelude and Fugue in G Major, Book 1. I only know this piece from recordings by Glenn Gould from the 1960's and hearing it live did not disappoint. I especially liked the fact that the other performers came to listen as Chuck and Barbara did their solo pieces.

The closing piece This Son So Young by Louis White celebrates Ascension in a six part piece of music: antiphon, recitative, air (This Son So Young), recitative, air (Rise My Son), and antiphon closing with the word alleluia. To my ear, the musical language of this Louis White piece is akin to Barber's Hermit Songs. The harp and piano work together each extending the sound of the other, enriching the aural field.

For an encore, Billye and Chuck did Simple Gifts. Though I wanted the music to continue all night, I am satisfied to know that the program will be repeated at Great Bridge Presbyterian Church on February 24th at 4:00 p.m. We hope to see you there.