Martial Singher coaches "Depuis le jour"
Accompanist: James Massengale
From Louise by Gustave Charpentier (1900)
Libretto by the composer
Archive video from THE FESTIVAL OF LEARNING AND PERFORMING, 1983
Since the day I gave myself
It seems my destiny has blossomed.
I think I'm dreaming beneath an enchanted sky,
My soul still intoxicated with your first kiss.
What a beautiful life! My dream was not a dream.
Ah! I am happy!
Love spreads its wings over me.
In the garden of my heart, a new joy is singing.
All is vibrant, everything rejoices in my triumph.
Around me, all is smiles, light, and joy,
And I tremble, deliciously, at the charming recollection
Of the first day of love.
Exsultate! Productions is proud to host the video archives of the FESTIVAL OF LEARNING AND PERFORMING. The Festival was created in the early 1970's by Susan Brenner to give young singers the opportunity to work with master artists, and apply their knowledge by performing in the community. Classes were open to the public and encompassed the interpretation of opera, art song, operetta and musical theater, as well as movement and physical conditioning. Classes with Charles Roe, Calvin Simmons, and Martial Singher were videotaped for the Festival's archives, allowing new audiences to be inspired and enriched by the great teaching that is the legacy of Susan Brenner.
Martial Singher (1904-1990) debuted at the Paris Opera in 1930, and at the Metropolitan Opera in 1943, where Virgil Thomson wrote of his "incomparable elegance" and "perfection of vocal style." He sang for 12 seasons at the Met, also appearing with the opera companies of Chicago and San Francisco, with leading orchestras, and in recital. He taught at Mannes College of Music, the Curtis Institute, and Music Academy of the West, and received the order of Chevalier of the French Legion of Honor. In 1983 he published "An Interpretive Guide to Operatic Arias."