Myself I shall adore
from George Frideric Handel’s Semele

Caro nome
from Giuseppi Verdi’s Rigoletto

Gilda has just been left by the Duke, whom she believes to be a poor, humble student. She has fallen in love with this man and sings of the passion he has brought to her heart.

Steal me, sweet thief
from Gian Carlo Menotti’s The Old Maid and the Thief

Laetitia fears she will grow old like her employer unless she is swept away by a mysterious “thief” they have been accommodating in their house. When Laetitia isn’t reciprocated by her flirtations, she becomes more worried about the loneliness that may befall her.

Mein Herr Marquis
from Johann Strauss II’s Die Fledermaus

Adele is a lowly chambermaid disguised as a Russian actress at a New Year’s Eve ball. Her mistress’ husband calls her out as his wife’s chambermaid, but she laughs and dismisses him as a fool who can’t realize true beauty. She proceeds to shame him in front of all the guests during this Viennese waltz.

Frere voyez! …Du gai soliel
from Jules Massenet’s Werther

Sophie is admiring the beauty of the world when she sees her sister Charlotte’s friend Werther moping. Unaware of the reason of Werther’s sadness, she tries to cheer him up by telling him of all that is happy and joyous, but it does not mend his spirit. He is heartbroken because his love Charlotte has married another.

Tornami a vagheggiar
from George Frideric Handel’s Alcina

Morgana has fallen head over heels for the mysterious Ricciardo, who in actuality is the fair maiden Bradamante. She is disguised as her brother and has come to rescue her fiancé, Ruggiero, from the clutches of Morgana’s sister, the sorceress Alcina.

“Ständchen” (“Serenade”) by Richard Strauss

Art Song Recital
Bay View Music Festival
Recorded by Jack Conners
June 2017