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Artist Spotlight | Ken Smith
In celebration of Cedille’s upcoming album release, Welcome to My World, we are proud to feature celebrated pianist Ken Smith in our Artist Spotlight series, where Chicago’s classical artists discuss the music important to them.
From Ken:
Here’s a memory or anecdote concerning Handel’s “Sibilar gli angui d’Aletto”. In 1984, the Metropolitan Opera in New York brought to its stage the opera Rinaldo by Handel. It was the first Handel opera produced by the Met, and also was the debut of Samuel Ramey in the role of Argante, whose entrance aria is “Sibilar gli angui d’Aletto”. It was a sensational debut, broadcast on The Met’s Saturday afternoon program. Since the score had been put together by the Met for their performance, there was no piano-vocal score available. From a recording of the broadcast, I transcribed one and made it available to various of my bass-baritone friends, among whom was Mark. Of course, since then, the aria is included in anthologies.
Welcome to My World is available for pre-order. To learn more about the project and purchase, click below.
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Children’s Stories features world premieres of works based on beloved children’s literature by superstar classical composers Michael Abels (Frederick’s Fables for narrator and orchestra) and Augusta Read Thomas (Gwendolyn Brooks Settings for children’s choir and orchestra). Both pieces bring children’s literary narratives stunningly to life through music.
Save 25% on Cedille’s entire catalog by using promo code HOLIDAY24 at checkout. Sale ends on January 5th, including these curated recordings. Each of these recordings are unique, artist-driven projects that feature music about which these musicians are most passionate, and that help these great performers and composers gain recognition outside of Chicago.
Tracks from our recommended holiday gifts page, presented in the same album order as they (first) appear there. Sale ends on January 5th.
Enjoy 25% off Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.