Voice Studies at the University of Toronto Presents: From Requiem to Light – through Gratitude
Featuring undergraduate singers from the third-year Oratorio class.
Mia Bach, instructor; Dakota Scott-Digout, collaborative class pianist
The Tuesday Voice Series is made possible in part by a generous gift from Dianne W. Henderson.
The Symbol of Gratitude
Symbols are strong representations of ideals and beliefs, often with profound meaningful associations for various cultures and religions. Using characters instead of words, they are universally understood. It is fitting that a formative emotion such as gratitude has an internationally recognized symbol.
- The circle/spiral symbolizes rebirth, the circle of life and evolution, and is often seen as a symbol for change and development.
- A set of three dots (often called ellipsis, showing continuity) depicts further thought or taking action.
- A secondary meaning of the three dots is mathematical, representing infinity.
- The hook at the bottom references an ancient Hawaiian symbol called Makau, defining the qualities of strength, energy, and abundance.
Gratitude is an essential part of living a fulfilled and happy life. It helps us appreciate the good around us – in doing so it also helps identify what needs to develop, evolve and change. Traditional sacred texts express this universal human value through recognized deific symbols, however the messages must be interpreted well beyond their literal meanings.
Today I give gratitude for the opportunity to continue to hear live music; to work with talented students who seem to know what needs to be said before I say it; for an environment where we can freely and deeply explore our musical instincts and artistic desires; for a country that, despite real and perceived problems, still offers opportunity to pursue dreams and experience satisfaction in daily pursuits.
As you listen to the collaboration of these texts within the music, I invite each of you to discover how these messages of gratitude speak to your unique circumstances.
Please join us for the final hymn – Mozart’s Laudate Dominum, one of the most beautiful offerings of gratitude in the entire repertoire.
PROGRAM
After the students are welcomed into the stage area, we ask that applause be withheld until the end of our program, when it will be graciously received. Thank you!
A solis ortu (Laudate pueri Dominum, RV 601 “Psalm 112”)
Antonio Vivaldi (1678–1741)
Victoria Chan, soprano
With the captivating ascending and descending melody imitating the orb’s movement from sunrise to sunset, the aria calls upon the community to praise the almighty God, and express one’s eternal gratefulness for the love given to humankind.
Melekh kol melekh, el shadday…Lammah panêkha (Esther)
Cristiano Lidarti (1730–1793)
May Sadan, soprano
Lidarti’s text and music delivered by the selfless Queen Esther communicate a powerful sense of gratitude for God’s blessings, in turn, inspiring listeners to practice gratitude and humility in their everyday lives.
Blick hin, auf die, so vollendet haben (Oratorium nach Bildern der Bibel)
Fanny Mendelssohn (1805–1847)
Giuliana Barrow Lattanzia, soprano
We should all be grateful for the ability to change and better ourselves; an ability, especially when modelled by those who came before us, should not be forgotten.
Laßt uns singen von der Gnade des Herrn (Paulus)
Felix Mendelssohn (1809–1847)
Asha Mayadunne, soprano
The warm, uplifting music and joyful text, with its persuasive repetitive message, invites us to rejoice in gratitude for God’s eternal mercy.
Gratias agimus tibi (Missa Cellensis "Mariazellermesse" No. 8 in C Major, Hob. XXII:8)
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Isabella Medina Milano, soprano
The liturgical text of thanks, the majestic orchestration and the long melismatic phrases are set within a gentle minuet, offering listeners an opportunity to reflect upon the importance of gratitude.
Nun sterb ich Sünder nicht (Ein Lämmlein geht und trägt die Schuld)
Gottfried August Homilius (1714–1785)
Jereney Shen, soprano
With its celebratory movement, the aria’s joyful music depicts the gratefulness of sinners, acknowledging that Jesus freed humanity from the curse of sin, leading them to forgiveness.
Quoniam tu solus sanctus (Missa in C Major, K. 66)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791)
Elizabeth Gilerovitch, soprano
Although there is no explicit expression of gratitude in the text, the words imply deep gratitude by bestowing the highest ranks of holiness and highness.
Ach seht, der allen wohlgetan (Das Sühnopfer des neuen Bundes)
Carl Loewe (1796–1869)
Sofia Bolonna, soprano
The text speaks of Christ's humiliation and reflects on the theme of gratitude. Since we recognize He faced this pain to save those on earth from sin, we are grateful for the sacrifice.
Et incarnatus est (Missa Cellensis in honorem Beatissimae Virginis Mariae: Cäcilienmesse)
Franz Joseph Haydn
Luca McCauley, tenor
The text of “Et incarnatus est” illustrates a moment of divine humility; God becoming man to live among people, to suffer, and ultimately to provide salvation. Haydn’s setting invites a deep, emotional response of gratitude for the love and sacrifice it represents.
Fac ut portem (Stabat Mater)
Gioachino Rossini (1792–1868)
Arushi Das, mezzo-soprano
Rossini’s text and regal score express gratefulness for the greatness of Christ’s sacrifice, and the love with which the sacrifice was made.
Confutatis (Messa da Requiem)
Giuseppi Verdi (1813–1901)
Owen Phillipson, bass-baritone
A powerful declaration affirming the need to be grateful and humble in our lives in order to move forward into a better, peaceful world without suffering.
I go on my way…For the Mountains shall depart (Elijah)
Felix Mendelssohn
Giovanni Rabbitto, baritone
Mendelssohn’s setting is a beautiful representation of a divine sense of gratitude and a sense of higher purpose being utterly fulfilled. It is a proclamation of hope and faith as much as it is a proclamation of thanks.
Erscheine doch und komm (Weihnachtsoratorium)
Carl Heinrich Graun (1704–1759)
Théa Nappert, mezzo-soprano
The character in Graun’s setting expresses their yearning for Christ's appearance. While gratitude often relates to what we have and the longing points to the lack thereof, these two emotions cannot exist without one another.
La Mare de Déu (El Pessebre)
Pablo Casals (1876–1973)
Aimee Harness, mezzo-soprano
Gratitude is expressed through Mary's desire to serve, and the fulfillment of her prayer when she is chosen to be the mother of God. The text also serves as a reminder to offer our thanks for Christ’s example of selfless service to humanity.
Laudate Dominum (Vesperae Solennes de Confessore, K. 339)
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Ana Castro Barrios, soprano; Third-Year Oratorio Class Ensemble
Audience members are invited to join the class in the choral portion.
Mozart's aria Laudate Dominum, complements a hopeful and reverent text with flowing, lyrical lines, offering the listener —or believer— a sense of peace and reassurance. A gift, gratefully received, reflecting a promise that all will be well today, tomorrow, and for years to come._________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
To Prof. Monica Whicher: our sincerest appreciation and gratitude for her ongoing incredible support of each of our departmental projects.
To the voice teachers and coaches: We are grateful for your input and the time you have taken to support the singers in their preparation, sharing your expertise and insight.
To the Voice Studies team for their diligence and remarkable organizational skills.
To the Walter Hall team and Concert office – your behind-the-scenes work is invaluable.
To all my students! Your dedication, commitment and trust in our work together is highly valued and appreciated. We also acknowledge the dedicated work of our classmate, Megan O’Donnell, who was indisposed and unable to perform with the class today.
And a very special thank you from all of us to our amazing class pianist, Dakota Scott-Digout: It cannot be repeated enough: your generosity, geniality and outstanding professional skills are amazing! Thank you for your dedication and invaluable contribution to our class.
TEXT AND TRANSLATIONS
The following texts and translations that have been reproduced in this document may be protected by copyright and they are provided to you in accordance with the University of Toronto's Fair Dealing Guidelines (http://uoft.me/copyfair) and/or exceptions granted to educational institutions in the Copyright Act (Canada). The University of Toronto takes its copyright obligations seriously; if you have any questions or concerns about the material available in this document, please contact: performance.music@utoronto.ca
A solis sortu
A solis sortu usque ad occasum
Laudabile Nomen Domini
From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets.
The name of the Lord is praiseworthy.
Melekh kol melekh, el shadday… Lammah panêkha
Melekh kol melekh, el shadday
mabbît la’arets, wattir‘ad
lakh bindavah essa’ yaday,
yôdûkha siftôtay la‘ad:
Lammah zeh libbî nehpaz
ִlilvûsh hûr ûlkheter paz?
ַMalkhê erets ûfe’eram
hevel hem lifnê el ram.
O celestial Lord, O King of Kings
The earth doth tremble at Thy gaze
A free-will offering to Thee I bring in my hands
And from my lips everlasting praise:
Why is that my heart desires
To wear a golden crown and silk attire?
Earthly kings and their fine facade
Count for nought in the eyes of God.
Blick hin, auf die, so vollendet haben
Blick hin auf die, so vollendet haben, denn ihre Seele,
ihre Seele ist vor dem Herrn
Ihr Gedächtnis aber sei mit euch.
Look at those who have perfected their souls,
Their soul is before the Lord
But (may) their memory be with you.
Und wie sie ausgesandt.....Laβt uns singen
Und wie sie ausgesandt von dem heiligen Geist,
so schifften sie von dannen,
und verkündigten das Wort Gottes mit Freudigkeit!
Laßt uns singen von der Gnade des Herrn ewiglich!
Laßt uns singen von der Gnade des Herrn, und seine Wahrheit verkündigen!
And as they were sent by the Holy Spirit,
they departed thence and proclaimed the Word of God with joy!
Let us sing for the mercy of our Lord, eternally!
Let us sing for the mercy of our Lord, and his truth proclaim!
Gratias agimus tibi
Gratias agimus tibi propter magnam gloriam tuam,
Domine Deus, Rex cælestis,
Deus Pater omnipotens.
Domine Fili Unigenite, Iesu Christe,
Domine Deus, Agnus Dei, Fílius Patris
We give thanks to you for your great glory,
Lord God, King of heaven,
God the Father Almighty.
Lord, the Only-Begotten Son, Jesus Christ,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father
Ach seht, der allen wohlgetan
Ach seh’t, der allen wohlgetan, er leidet Schmach,
Er wird verhöhnet, man legt ein Purpurkleid ihm an,
Man hat mit Dornen ihn gekrönet.
Man speiet ihm ins Angesicht,
Man geißelt ihn mit scharfen Ruten,
o Israel, erbebst du nicht vor deines Gottes Zornes Gluten?
Ah see, he who has brought good to all suffers shame,
He is mocked, a purple garment is put upon him;
He is crowned with thorns.
They spit into his face;
They scourge him with sharp rods, O Israel,
Do you not tremble before the fire of your God's anger?
Quoniam tu solus sanctus
Quoniam tu solus sanctus,
tu solus Dominus,
tu solus altissimus, Jesu Christe.
For you alone are holy,
You alone are Lord,
You alone are most high, Jesus Christ.
Nun sterb ich Sünder nicht
Nun sterb ich Sünder nicht,
Der Vater will verzeihn,
Sein Sohn geht ins Gericht,
Vom Fluch mich zu befrein,
der Sohn geht ins Gericht,
Vom Fluch mich zu befrein.
Wie soll ich, Vater, dich,
dich und deinen Sohn erhöhn?
Mein ganzes Herz freut sich,
ich soll den Tod nicht sehn,
mein Herz freut sich,
mein ganzes Herz freut sich.
Now I don't die, a sinner,
The father wants to forgive,
His son goes to court,
To free myself from the curse,
The Son goes to court,
To free myself from the curse.
How shall I, father,
Exalt you and your Son?
My whole heart rejoices,
I shall not see death,
My heart rejoices,
My whole heart rejoices.
Fac ut portem
Fac ut portem Christi mortem,
passionis ejus sortem, et plagas recolere.
Fac me plagis vulnerari cruce hac inebriari,
ob amorem Filii.
Grant that I may bear the death of Christ,
the fate of his passion, and commemorate his wounds.
Let me be wounded by his wounds, inebriated by the cross
for love of the Son.
Confutatis
Confutatis maledictis,
flammis acribus addictis,
voca me cum benedictis.
Oro supplex et acclinis,
cor contritum quasi cinis,
gere curam mei finis.
When the accursed are silenced,
and given to the fierce flames,
call me with the blessed ones.
I pray, suppliant and kneeling,
with a heart contrite as ashes:
take my ending into your care.
Et incarnatus est
Et incarnatus est de Spiritu Sancto ex Maria Virgine:
Et homo factus est.
And was incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary:
And became man.
I go on my way…For the Mountains shall depart
I go on my way in the strength of the Lord!
For Thou art my Lord; and I will suffer for Thy sake.
My heart is therefore glad, my glory rejoiceth;
and my flesh shall also rest in hope.
For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed;
but Thy kindness shall not depart from me;
neither shall the covenant of Thy peace be removed.
Erscheine doch und komm
Erscheine doch und komm,erbarmungsvolle Liebe,
brich durch, in Gott gebornes Kind,brich herein.
Vernimm einmal des Herzens nasse Sehnsuchtstriebe,
die Früchte deines Auβenbleibens sein.
Zerreiβ die Himmelsburg und fahre bald
hernieder, ach, hülle dich nicht mehr in finstre
Schalten ein, belebe meine durch den Fluch
zerschlagne Glieder, erhelle, ewigs Licht,
des Glaubens molten Schein.
Do appear and come, tender compassionate love
Rise upon us, Son of God, come forth to us.
Just hear the mourning of the yearning heart,
as the result of your absence.
Break the heavenly stronghold and come down soon
from heaven to us, oh, do not dwell in the land
of dark shadows any longer,
restore my cursed-broken limbs,
brighten up, eternal light, our weak faith.
La Mare de Déu
Volia ser serventa de casa del Senyor.
I mentre agenollada, a Déu,
Amb un gran plor, li deia:
"Em sento indigna de gosar voler tant",
La finestra s'obria i m'omplia d'espant.
Un ângel d'ales blanques s'estava davant meu.
Salve, maria em deia.
Seràs Mare de Déu.
Déu vos salve Maria, plena de gràcia.
El Senyor és amb Vós;
Beneïta sou Vös entre totes les dones.
I beneït és el Fruit del Vostre Sant Ventre, Jesus!
I el meu rés començava callat, en aquell instant.
Rés que perdura encara,
Rés que durarà tant com visqui el Fill de Glòria
Que és nat aquesta nit.
Com duri sa memòria.
Com, fins a l'infinit dels temps,
El necessiti el mòn per als seus mals
Si Sa Sang i mes llàgrimes no us basten per rentâ'ls.
I wanted to be a servant in the house of the Lord.
And while kneeling, before God,
With a great cry, I said:
"I feel unworthy of daring to want so much ",
The window opened and filled me with fear.
An angel with white wings was before me.
"Hail Mary", said he.
"You will be the Mother of God."
Hail Mary, full of grace.
The Lord is with thee;
blessed art thou among all women.
And blessed is the fruit of thy holy womb, Jesus!
And my prayer began quietly in that instant.
A prayer that lasts still,
A prayer that will last as long as the Son of Glory lives,
who is born this night.
As long as his memory endures.
As long as, to infinity of time,
the world needs Him for its evils,
if His Blood and more tears are not enough to wash them.
Laudate Dominum
Laudáte Dóminum omnes gentes
laudate eum omnes populi;
Quóniam confirmáta est
súper nos misericordia ejus
et véritas Domini mánet in æternum
Glória Pátri et Filio
et Spiritui Sáncto.
Sicut érat in pricipio et nunc et semper
et in sáecula sáeculorum
Amen
Praise the Lord, all ye nations,
praise him, all ye peoples.
For his loving kindness (mercy)
has been bestowed upon us,
and the truth of the Lord endures for eternity.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son,
And to the Holy Spirit,
As it was in the beginning, iis now and forever,
For generations of generations,
Amen.
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As part of the Faculty’s commitment to improving Indigenous inclusion, we call upon all members of our community to start/continue their personal journeys towards understanding and acknowledging Indigenous peoples’ histories, truths and cultures. Visit indigenous.utoronto.ca to learn more.