A Singer’s Dozen — Barb
As an undergraduate at the U of U, Barbara studied piano with Barlow Bradford and would sit in the audience of UCA concerts wishing she could sing with this amazing choir! On her birthday in 1999 she became a member, and has been involved with the choir ever since. Barbara sang with UCA until 2014 and has been the librarian for more years than she can remember: alphabetizing, renting, erasing marks, and collecting choral and orchestra music. Her list of pieces shows her love of choral, orchestra, piano, and jazz music.
- Alexander Borodin: In the Steppes of Central Asia
The colorful treatment of the theme delights me every time I hear this piece. The passing of material from instrument to instrument or section to section never gets old. - Morten Lauridsen: Lux Aeterna
The gentle open sound of these a cappella chords is so healing. - Claude Debussy: Rêverie, L. 68
The blending of harmonies like water colors, 2-against-3 rhythms, and hand crossings give this piece such a harp-like sound even though it’s a piano piece. I love to play anything Debussy. - Gerald Finzi: In terra pax, Op. 39
This joyous piece is everything Christmas: bells, angelic choirs, and beautiful harmonies. - Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto in D Major, Op. 35 – 1. Allegro moderato
My favorite spot is around 9:15. The triumphant theme brings hope to my heart. - Sergei Rachmaninov: All-Night Vigil, Op. 37 – Lord, Now Lettest Thou
I instantly fell in love with these Vespers when I sang them in a U of U choir and with Utah Chamber Artists. This movement sounds like the music is breathing (in and out) constantly while the soloist soars. - Gabriel Fauré: Requiem, Op. 48 – Sanctus
Without words, the violin solo brings magic to this movement and the emphatic “Hosanna in excelsis” brings majesty. - George Gershwin: Piano Concerto in F – 3. Allegro agitato
The energy instantly grabs me and the percussion would be desperately missed. - Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Requiem in D minor, K. 626 – Lacrimosa
Tragic, mournful, and heart-wrenching. What else can I say? Mozart was the first composer that I attached myself to. - John Rutter: Magnificat – 1. Magnificat anima mea
Festive, hopeful, and joyous. Rutter has the sparkle and joy combined with that beautiful English choral sound. - Wonderful Tonight (Michael Bublé)
My husband and I like to sing duets together, and this one is a favorite. - Seven Days (Sting)
The odd meter section reminds me of sailing or being on a beach. I don’t know if it’s the clever lyrics, or the non-vibrato tone that draws me to his music more. - We Are In Love (Harry Connick, Jr.)
My high school and early college days were filled with the big band sounds of Harry Connick Jr.’s music. This song is one of the first that led me to a love of jazz.
