2017 has been an eventful year for me, with so many new things for me to experience and learn, thank you to my wonderful teachers this year for sharing your knowledge and friendship. I started the year performing “La Dolce Speranza”with the RCM classical orchestra, conducted by Ben Palmer. The summer brought with it the opportunity to be involved with the premiere of BambinO at the Manchester International Festival, followed by a tour around the North West of England and then on to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, finishing in the Autumn with performances in Glasgow. This was such an exhilarating show to be involved with and I loved every minute of it. My year ended with two performances of Handel’s Messiah, one with Chamber Orchestra and the other with a Baroque Orchestra. In between the performances, I sang my first cantata, Handel Psalm 112 ‘Laudate Pueri Dominum’ with the Thames Philharmonic and Choir.
Christmas Festivities start tomorrow and I’m going to enjoy a well-earned holiday. To close off the year, I wanted to share with you one of the arias that I have been working on over the last few months which I hope you enjoy. It is Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen, Ännchen’s aria from Der Freischütz by Carl Maria von Weber. I have also included the original lyrics and a translation by Robert Glaubitz. Thank you to George Todica for his wonderful accompaniment on this recording.
Kommt ein schlanker Bursch gegangen,
Blond von Locken oder braun,
Hell von Aug’ und rot von Wangen,
Ei, nach dem kann man wohl schauen
Zwar schlägt man das Aug’ aufs Mieder
Nach verschämter Mädchen Art;
Doch verstohlen hebt man’s wieder,
Wenn’s das Bürschchen nicht gewahrt.
Sollten ja sich Blicke finden,
Nun, was hat das auch für Not?
Man wird drum nicht gleich erblinden,
Wird man auch ein wenig rot.
Blickchen hin und Blick herüber,
Bis der Mund sich auch was traut!
Er seufzt: Schönste!
Sie spricht: Lieber!
Bald heißt’s Bräutigam und Braut.
Immer näher, liebe Leuchten!
Wollt ihr mich im Kranze sehn?
Gelt, das ist ein nettes Bräutchen,
And the youth isn’t any less beautiful?
When a slim youth walks by,
Blond of hair or brown,
Bright of eye and red of cheeks,
Indeed, you can definitely look at him.
Of course, you lay your eyes on your bosom
After the manner of a modest maiden;
But by stealth you raise them again
If the boy doesn’t notice.
If you should catch his glance,
Then, what’s that matter?
You will not be blinded,
You become just a little red.
A little glance here and a glance over there,
Until the mouth is also as bold!
He sighs : beautiful one!
She says : beloved!
Soon, they will be Bride and Bridegroom.
Always nearer, beloved glow!
Do you want to see me in a (bridal) wreath?
Don’t you think, she is a nice bride,
And the youth isn’t any less beautiful?
Wherever you are I hope that you have a wonderful time over the Christmas Holidays and that as 2017 draws to a close that you have a fabulous New Year in 2018.
