Remembering Lorraine Hunt Lieberson …
A voice like no other: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson's recording legacy with Nic
Whether it was a Handel oratorio, German art song, or contemporary opera, Lorraine Hunt Lieberson brought every fiber of her being to her singing. Witnessing the burnished beauty of her voice and her inviting, unpretentious stage presence made every performance feel like an intimate gathering of friends.
As Alex Ross said of her in a New Yorker tribute published after her death in 2006:
"It [feels] wrong to throw around diva-worship words like 'goddess' and 'immortal,' because those words placed her on a pedestal, whereas the warmth in her voice always brought her close."
For those who didn't get the chance to witness Lorraine's singular talents in person, she luckily left behind an incredible body of recordings, many of which were collaborations with Nic. For those looking to discover — or rediscover — Lorraine's glorious voice, here are two perfect albums to begin your journey.
A Tribute
This album features the last of seven recordings Lorraine made with Nic and PBO — a stunning live performance of Berlioz's lush Les nuits d'ete that showcases Lorraine in her element. Completing the album are arias from five Handel operas that prove glittering examples of her superior vocal and interpretive abilities.
A Tribute
Released five years after her death, this tribute album brings together some of Lorraine's finest recordings of arias and duets made over her storied career — including her devastating account of Dido's lament from Purcell's Dido and Aeneas — all accompanied by Nic leading PBO and the Freiburger Barockorchester.
Roving & Recipes
Curated by Nic
Georgian Detective Fiction: Exploring the Violent Society of the 18th Century
Before the pandemic, I had always read a lot of detective stories. They are absorbing and engaging, and back when we relied on physical books — before Kindles and smartphone apps — they were easy to carry when travelling. Of course, when concert life was forced to a standstill in 2020, the genre was something of a lifesaver.
I have always loved the historical and musical niches of the genre. About two years ago on this blog, with, the England of the Tudors and William Shakespeare. Now it is the 18th century's turn. It may seem as if I have jumped the gun, but don’t worry! I will return to the Jacobean/Restoration period in a future piece before I go on to the Regency — one of the most inspiring for writers of mysteries — and the Victorian periods.
I would not wish anyone to think that this survey of books is in any way complete or systematic. I am simply listing books that, for the most part, I have actually read and enjoyed. There are plenty waiting in the wings, either on my bedside table or up in a cloud.
Coming up this summer …
Aspen Music Festival
Aspen Chamber Symphony (July 7)Aspen Music Festival
A Baroque Evening with Nicholas McGegan (July 13)Blossom Music Festival
The Cleveland Orchestra (August 12)Hollywood Bowl
Los Angeles Philharmonic (September 5)