Certificate Recital: Jamie Feder, Voice

Gioacchino Rossini – Il Risentimento: One of Rossini’s lesser known arias,”Il
Risentimento” shines with breathtaking melodies and heartfelt lyrics about a
complicated love story.

Benjamin Britten – A Charm of Lullabies Cycle: The description “Lullabies”
may be misleading, as some of the songs are far from quiet or gentle. The
fourth song “A Charm,” for instance, threatens a child with various kinds of
torture if they do not go to sleep! The cycle was based on poems written by
William Blake, Robert Burns, Robert Greene, Thomas Randolphe, and John
Phillip and produced for mezzo-soprano Nancy Evans.

B.E. Boykin – Secret: Boykin is a contemporary composer, having graduated
from Spelman College in 2011. “Secret” is based on a poem by Gewndolyn
Bennett (1903-1981) and portrays a discrete affection.

Florence Price – Don’t You Tell Me No: The song is part of a repository of
Price’s music intended for musical theatre. Price was a pioneer in classical
music, as the first African American woman composer to have her symphony
performed by a major orchestra

Brahms – Von waldbekränzter Höhe: All songs from Brahms’ Op. 57 are
written by Georg Friedrich Daumer. The music is grand and expansive, with a
soaring vocal line that conveys a sense of awe and wonder. The lyrics speak of
the beauty and majesty of nature, as the poet marvels at the forest-crowned
heights and the panoramic view of the world below.

Wenn du nur zuweilen lächelst: The lively and energetic music captures the
playful and carefree spirit of the lyrics, which speak of the transformative power
of a smile.

Es Träumte mir: The music is slow and dreamy, with a delicate and expressive
vocal line that conveys a sense of mystery and longing. The lyrics speak of a
dream in which the poet sees his beloved in a vision of beauty and grace, but is
unable to reach her.

Ach, Wende diesen Blick: The music is slow and melancholic, with a tender
and expressive vocal line that conveys a sense of heartache. The lyrics speak of
unrequited love and the pain of separation, as the poet begs his beloved to turn
her gaze towards him and give him a sign of affection.

Unbewegte laue Luft: The slow and hypnotic music, combined with the simple
and unadorned vocal line, creates a peaceful and meditative atmosphere,
evoking the stillness and tranquility of a warm summer night. The lyrics speak of
the silence and stillness of the world around the poet, and the sense of calm
and peace that comes with it.

Bizet – Près des Remparts de Séville: from Bizet’s opera Carmen, the song is a
playful and flirtatious aria sung by the fiery Carmen as she tries to seduce the
soldier Don José into joining her band of smugglers in Seville. The catchy
melody and lively rhythm capture the spirit of the flamenco-infused world of
the city, while the lyrics describe the sights and sounds of the bustling streets.
As one of the most recognizable arias in the operatic repertoire, Près des
Remparts de Séville is a beloved example of Bizet’s gift for creating memorable
melodies, evocative scenes, and blending Spanish and French musical
influences.

Frederic Weatherly – Danny Boy: Danny Boy is a beloved Irish folk song that
has become an enduring symbol of love and loss. The lyrics, written by an
Englishman, Fred Weatherly, are a lament from a father to his son who is leaving
to fight in a war, and express a deep sense of longing and a tender farewell. The
melody, which is believed to have been inspired by an old Irish tune called the
“Londonderry Air,” is simple yet haunting, and has been arranged and
performed by countless musicians and singers over the years. Danny Boy has
become an iconic melody that is often played at solemn occasions, and
remains a testament to the power of music to evoke deep emotions and
memories across generations.

Jamie Feder is a senior in the history department who is gaining a certificate in
vocal performance. While in high school, she attended the Manhattan School
of Music weekend Precollege Program, and the Tanglewood and Washington
National Opera summer programs for pre-professional singers. In university,
she was Pane in the Princeton virtual opera La Calisto, and has performed in
several student-run musical theatre productions. She currently sings with the
Jazz Vocal Ensemble and performs weekly sets of contemporary music at
Coffee Club. She hopes to continue to pursue music after college.

Martin Néron is on the faculty at WCC. He is the artistic director of the Vocalis
Consort, an ensemble which strives to showcase overlooked vocal works. He
designed and managed Canto Latino CyberChallenge in 2021, an international
competition which features and promotes vocal repertoire from Latin America.
Martin has held residencies at WSU Pullman, SUNY Potsdam, UK
Lexington,Tennessee TU, and Fundación Armonía (Ecuador), and gave
masterclasses and lectures at Butler University, OSU Columbus, TCNJ, Hunter
College, NATS, Arte Lirico, and Universidad Central del Ecuador. He was on the
faculty at the Taos Opera Institute (2019-2021), and Vice-President of the Joy in
Singing Foundation (2017-2019). He is co-founder, co-artistic director, and Vice-
President of the newly incorporated Federation of the Art Song. Praised as “an
attentive partner” (Opera News), Martin has collaborated on several recordings of
art songs. His scholarly work is featured in the Journal of Singing and Leyerle
Publications. He holds degrees from the MSM (DMA), WCC (MM), and U de M (BM).