So Lit Song Lit

Grażyna Bacewicz

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 05 May 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Grażyna Bacewicz (1909-1969) was a Polish composer of Lithuanian heritage. Her father taught all of his children to play violin and piano, as well as a little music theory, and she went on to become the concertmaster of the Polish National Radio Symphony Orchestra. After a serious car accident, she could no longer perform and then concentrated on composing. Another Nadia Boulanger student, her musical language is unique, very modern with a great deal of dissonance that comes out sounding incredibly beautiful!

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

1st Groteski (from 3 Grosteski)

In her Collected Songs

Róże (Rose)
Nad wodą wielką i czystą
Boli mnie głowa

We also mentioned the resource Singing in Polish. And don't forget to check out our previous episodes on Szymanowski and Wertheim for more Polish repertoire!

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Margarete Schweikert

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Margarete Schweikert (1887-1957) was the daughter of amateur musicians who went on to become a music critic, pianist, and violinist in her own right, as well as a composer. Her music is all collected at the Badische Landesbibliothek in Karlsruhe, Germany, including 160 Lieder!

We also mentioned the composer Clemens von und zu Franckenstein--he has some incredibly beautiful Lieder, but since he was composing around the time of Strauss, his name has been mostly lost. His opera Li Tai Pe was recently performed in Germany, and Eastman Library has collected some of his Lieder.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Op 3

Rosen
Elfenliedchen

Op 5

Seliger Eingang (in Book 2)

Op 11-Vier Gedichte von Goethe

Es war einmal ein König

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Poldowski

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Poldowski (née Régine Wieniawski) (1879-1932) was born in Brussels to an exceptionally musical family. Her father was Polish and her mother British, and eventually she moved to London for the remainder of her life. The Verlaine settings have a great deal of French influence; she also has a set of songs of William Blake poems.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Songs to Texts by Paul Verlaine:

Spleen
Mandoline
L'heure exquise
Fantoches

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Jane Vieu & Mel Bonis

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

For your "Twix-bar of an episode", today we are talking about Jane Vieu (1871-1955) and Mel Bonis (1858-1937). Jane Vieu started composing at age 11 and studied composition with Massenet. Mel Bonis had rather Wagnerian-opera life story, due to her parents' attempts to control her--she became a musician despite their machinations.

For anyone who has never heard Anna Russell, check out the YouTube clip of her with Canto dolciamente pipo (her Italian is intentionally not perfect!).

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Vieu (found in Anthology of Songs, the score is available from many libraries and through ILL):

Belle au bois dormant
Chanson fleurie

Bonis:

Le chat sur le toit

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter: Ellen 1, Toni 1

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Carrie Jacobs-Bond

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Carrie Jacobs-Bond (1862-1946) was the most successful song composer of the late 19th-early 20th centuries, combing Parlor Songs with traditional art song and creating her own publishing company to support herself as a single mother. She had songs that sold over 25 million copies--in the 1910s! She also self-published her own autobiography, The Roads of Melody.

11 Small Songs as Unpretentious as the Wild Rose

Where Youth's Eternal

7 Songs as Unpretentious as the Wild Rose

I Love You Truly

11 Small Songs as Unpretentious as the Wild Rose

Tis Summer In Thine Eyes

Half-Minute Songs

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter--Ellen 0!!!, Toni 0

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Cécile Chaminade

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944) studied music privately with teachers from the Paris Conservatory and began her professional career as a chamber music pianist. Her compositions include 135 songs for voice and piano and 200 piano pieces. She toured Europe as a concert pianist, playing mostly her own works, which made her so popular that even in the US there were salons dedicated to her music!

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter--Ellen 3, Toni 2
***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Agathe Backer-Gröndahl

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 17 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Norwegian composer Agathe Backer-Gröndahl (1847-1907) studied piano with Franz Liszt and became a concert pianist well-known for performing Chopin and Beethoven. She took some time off performing when she married, but when her husband supported her return to performing, she started playing her own music!

In case you want to try the Tongue Twister we mentioned: Im dichten Fichtendickicht nicken dicke Fichten tüchtig

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Op 14 Deutsche Lieder

No 1 Ein Fichtenbaum
No 5 Unruhe

Op 60 Deutsche Liebeslieder

No 3 Namenloses Weh
No 5 Es muss was Wunderbares sein

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter--Ellen 1, Toni 0

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Clara Kathleen Rogers

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Clara Kathleen Rogers (1844-1931) was the youngest child of a British opera composer (John Barnett), who studied music at the conservatory in Leipzig, Germany. She became a prima donna opera singer in Italy under the pseudonym Clara Doria before settling in the US in Boston, MA. She went on to join the music faculty at the New England Conservatory of music and she wrote a book on English Diction!

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Op 27 Browning Songs, First Series

Apparitions
Ah, Love, but a Day
The Year's at the Spring

Op 32 Browning Songs, Second Series

My Star

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter--Ellen 2, Toni 0

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Elfrida Andrée

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 20 Jan 2026 06:00:00 -0500

Elfrida Andrée (1841-1929) was a leader in the equal rights movement in Sweden--she fought to change the law that kept women from church jobs, and was one of the first women to be appointed as organist of a church in Sweden. Her sister became an opera singer and Elfrida made a career as a conductor as well as organist and composer.

We mentioned the Swedish Musical Heritage website, where they are cataloguing and uploading scores of Swedish composers. Look for the little crown emblem for songs that are available for download.

If you want to study up on your Swedish diction, check out Anna Hersey's Scandinavian Song, a diction book that covers Swedish, Norwegian, and Danish.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Opus 8 (Three songs with piano) (the score download is available at the bottom of the page)

En vacker höstdag
Vi ses igen
Visa en vårmorgon

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" counter--Ellen 1, Toni 0

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Bonus: Song Cycle Holiday Party!

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

We're wrapping up 2025 by bringing Cincinnati Song Initiative's podcast hosts together for our annual Holiday Party! Join us in looking back on a wonderful year with peaks and pits from all of our hosts, then test your knowledge with games like "Guess that Song" and "Two Truths and a Lie: Composer Edition." Which composer walked the streets of Paris with a hammer in his suit pocket? Which composers did - and didn't - study with Nadia Boulanger? (Spoiler: even our hosts get stumped plenty of times!)

Thanks for a great year of song, and here's to a musically rewarding 2026!

Follow Song Cycle with Sam Martin and Laura Strickling here.
Follow Follow the Lieder with Mandee Madrid-Sikich here.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Ingeborg Bronsart

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Ingeborg Bronsart (1840-1913) was a concert pianist who continued her musical career even after her marriage. She was close with many of the important composers of the time, including Berlioz and Wagner, as well as studying piano with Lizst. Bronsart also composed operas, which shines through in her Lieder compositions!

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Die Loreley
Op. 25 Drei Lieder
- Sang wohl, sang das Vogelei
- Heidenröslein
- Ich stand in dunkeln Träumen
Abendlied (Op. 16 No. 1)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Pauline Viardot (ft. Dr. Melanie Taylor)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Pauline Viardot (1821-1910) was one of the most important musicians of her time. An opera singer and concert pianist as well as a composer, she spoke at least 5 languages fluently and composed stylistically correct in each of those languages! She also taught voice and composed many of her songs to teach her students. This episode focuses on her French mélodies.

We are very excited to have Dr. Melanie Taylor, soprano, with us for this episode; she did her doctoral thesis on Pauline Viardot's songs, and has lots of incredible stories of her life to share with us! Her thesis was titled The Songs of Pauline Viardot-Garcia: Proposed Alternatives to Commonly Assigned Repertoire in the University Voice Studio.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Dr. Melanie Taylor at her website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Augusta Browne, Jane Sloman, Faustina Hasse Hodges

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

In the 1800s, women in America were mostly only allowed to compose "Parlor Songs", sentimental pieces that were intended to be sung at home by amateurs rather than on the recital stage. But there are a lot of beautiful pieces that came out of this time period! This episode focuses on Augusta Browne (1820-1882), Jane Sloman (1824-after 1850), and Faustina Hasse Hodges (1823-1895).

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" counter--Ellen 2 (21), Toni 1 (4)
***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Josephine Lang

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Josephine Lang (1815-1880) came from a musical family in Munich and her musical talent developed very early. She composed her first songs at age 13 and has about 150 Lieder to her credit, many of which were published by major publishing houses during her lifetime. Her songs are full-on Romantic, with incredible melodies and often a wide range required of the singer with a somewhat operatic sweep.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

All of these songs are found in Josephine Lang: Selected Songs. Hildegard Publishing also has published two volumes of her songs.

O sehntest du dich so nach mir
Scheideblick (sung by Troy)
Lied (Immer sich rein)
Ob ich manchmal dein gedenke
Und wüssten's die Blumen (sung by Troy)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" counter--Ellen 3 (19), Toni 1 (3)
***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Emilie Zumsteeg

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Emilie Zumsteeg's (1796-1857) father was a composer and her mother owned a music store, so her natural abilities were encouraged early. She made a living teaching voice and piano, and was a well-known composer in her time, with at least 60 Lieder, which were considered innovative by her contemporaries.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Die Unschuld (9 Lieder)
Das Epheublättchen (9 Lieder)
Die Kapelle (6 Lieder)
Der Sternenhimmel (6 Lieder)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" counter--Ellen 5 (16), Toni 0 (2)

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Louise Reichardt

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 07 Oct 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Louise Reichardt (1779-1826) came from a musical family in Berlin, and grew up to be a composer and choral conductor, establishing a choral society in Hamburg, Germany. Her Italian songs have a bel canto feel to them, and her German Lieder tend more toward folk melodies. Her mother Juliane was also a composer; some of her songs are available on IMSLP and more can be sourced through inter-library loan.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Ombre amene a mi che piante (Sei canzoni di Metastasio)
Non turbar quand io me lagno (Sei canzoni di Metastasio)
Für die Laute (Louise Reichardt: Songs)
Die Blume der Blumen (Louise Reichardt: Songs)

There are also pieces by Louise Reichardt in 24 Italian Songs and Arias by Women Composers and Joys Abiding: Soprano and Baritone Duets by Historical Women Composers.

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" counter--Ellen 2 (11), Toni 0 (2)

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Anna Amalia and Corona Schröter

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Anna Amalia (1739-1807) was a German princess who became Duchess of Saxe-Weimar upon her marriage. Also a composer, her love of the arts made her court a cultural center and ushered in the era of Weimar Classicism.

Corona Schröter (1751-1802) was a singer in the court of Anna Amalia, brought there by her close friend Johann Wolfgang von Goethe! Much of her compositional output has been lost, but two volumes of her songs were published.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

All of the scores for today can be found in these two volumes.

Anna Amalia:

Das Veilchen
Sie scheinen zu spielen
Sieh mich, Heil’ger, wie ich bin

Schubert:

Erlkönig (intro)

Schröter:

Erlkönig
O Mutter, guten Rat mir leiht (sung by Troy)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly counter--Ellen 2 (9), Toni 0 (2)

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 16 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Elizabeth Jacquet de la Guerre (1665-1729) was a child prodigy from a huge family of musicians and instrument makers on both sides of her family tree. She composed three volumes of cantatas, several of which use Biblical women as their subjects - most of these cantatas are intended for a single singer along with continuo.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Judith

Air
Recit

Le Passage de la mer rouge

Récit-Mouvement Marqué

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" Counter - Ellen 3 (7), Toni 1 (2)

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Barbara Strozzi

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677) was a prolific composer of secular chamber music, publishing eight volumes of her works, more than most men of her time period. She composed almost exclusively for voice and continuo, with just one volume including works with ensembles, and she never composed nor sang opera.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Andrew Schucker, countertenor, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Spesso per entro al petto (found in Women Composers – A Heritage of Song High Voice * Low Voice)
Amore è bandito (found in 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers)
Sul Rodano severo
I baci (duet with Andrew and Toni)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" Counter - Ellen 1 (3), Toni 0 (1)

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

Andrew Schucker is a student of Toni Marie Palmertree.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Francesca Caccini

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 19 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

Francesca Caccini (1587-1640) came from a very important musical family, studying music with her father alongside her brother and sister. A noted singer and voice teacher as well, Francesca spent much of her musical career working in the Medici court. She composed the first extant opera by a woman and the first Italian opera that was performed outside of Italy.

Much of the information this season comes from Karin Pendle's Women and Music: A History.

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Primo libro delle musiche a una e due voci

Ecco ch'io verso il sangue
Regina coeli
Fresche aurette (duet)
Non so se quel sorriso (also found in 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers)

You can also find music by Francesca's sister Settimia in the 24 Italian Songs & Arias by Women Composers.

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

"Exactly" Counter--Ellen 2, Toni 1

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Season 4 Trailer

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 06:00:00 -0400

The So Lit Song Lit academy is back in session - Season 4 drops starting August 19th! This season, Toni Marie and Ellen focus on women composers from the 16th century through the 1990s. Make sure to subscribe and tell all your friends, colleagues, and students, you won't want to miss this season!

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

Afro-Latin Songs (ft. Zuly Inirio)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 27 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

In the final episode of Season 3, our guest Dr. Zuly Inirio of the Afro-Latinx Song & Opera Project shows us some fabulous songs by Afro-Latin composers that she uses in her concerts entitled ¡Tumbao! A Celebration of Afro-Latin Music!

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Zuly Inirio, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Modesta Bor: "Guitarra" Tríptico sobra poesía Cubana

Errollyn Wallen: "My feet may take a little while"

Antonio Carlos Gomes: "Suspiro d’alma"

Xavier Montsalvatge: "Cuba dentro de un piano" Cinco canciones negras

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

So Lit Song Lit will be back in August with Season 4, with a whole season of women composers! Until then, make sure to check out CSI's other podcasts, Follow the Lieder and Song Cycle.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

B. E. Boykin and M. Roger Holland II

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 06 May 2025 06:00:00 -0400

B.E. Boykin is a graduate of Spelman college, Westminster College, and holds a doctorate from Georgia State University. In addition to Moments in Sonder, she has an extensive catalog of choral works as well. Her music is sold through Graphite Publishing.

M. Roger Holland II has been a guest on several episodes of So Lit this season, so we couldn't leave him out of the musical line-up! Make sure to check out the episodes on William Grant Still and Margaret Bonds to hear him discuss composing and poetry with us. His music is sold through GIA music.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Aliyah Quill, soprano, Rachel Boll, cello, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Boykin--Moments in Sonder (published through Klavia Press) (sung by Aliyah)

Passing Time
Refusal
The Lesson

Holland--Three Spirituals (sung by Toni)

There is a Balm in Gilead

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Season 3 Episode 20 will drop on May 27, 2025.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

Aliyah Quill is a student of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Carlos Simon and Dave Ragland: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode was inspired by the program of a colleague that was posted on Facebook! Both Carlos Simon and Dave Ragland are modern composers working with some of the most important companies and singers of our time, creating all kinds of new works that are powerful, accessible to audiences, and absolute gems of the repertoire.

Carlos Simon:

Caro mio ben (sung by Solomon)
Vocalise (sung by Toni)
Prayer (Gather Up) (sung by Solomon)

Dave Ragland:

I Believe (High Voice score, Low Voice score) (sung by Ricky)

Posting a quote here from Carlos in an interview with Good Faith Media a few months ago:

"We’ve always been here, but there’s been in classical music, there has been such a large spark of new commissioning, new music that has come about, yeah. I think people just want to hear new music, and it’s all really just happening here in America. Talking to my colleagues in Europe, they’re kind of stuck in the old way of Beethoven and Bach, which is great. But to really push the envelope and push the medium forward, that comes with funding, which we are seeing. So that is another thing I’m hopeful about."

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

Solomon Onyukwu is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Songs from the Anthologies

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode offers a taste of a few different songs from the anthologies that we've been talking about all season, all of which would be a great addition to everyone's library. Those anthologies are:

An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs
Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers
A New Anthology of Art Songs by African American Composers
The Second Anthology of Art Songs by African American Composers

Musical clips featured on this episode, performed by Solomon Onyukwu, baritone, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Compensation (Charles Lloyd, Jr.) Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers (sung by Solomon)
Compensation (Betty Jackson King) A New Anthology of Art Songs by African American Composers (sung by Toni)
A Song Without Words (Charles Brown) Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers (sung by Solomon)
Music I Heard (Roger Dickerson) The Second Anthology of Art Songs by African American Composers (sung by Toni)

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA and at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

Solomon Onyukwu is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Dorothy Rudd Moore: Songs (plus a few other composers)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0400

This episode is an eclectic mixture of pieces and composers, starting with two song cycles by Dorothy Rudd Moore! Born and raised on the East Coast, she studied with Nadia Boulanger, and was one of the co-founders of the Society of Black Composers. Her music has enough dissonance to bring out the colors of the texts beautifully, while still being very accessible to an audience. Jonathan Bailey Holland is currently the Dean of Music at Northwestern University, and has some stunningly beautiful pieces - he was a student of Ned Rorem.

We also included both settings of I Want to Die While You Love Me that we have talked about this season so that you can hear them back-to-back and see how different the two settings are, while both are excellent settings! The songs are in An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs and appear in the book back-to-back as well!

Dorothy Rudd Moore
Flowers of Darkness
1. Flowers of Darkness (sung by Aliyah)

Sonnets on Love, Rosebuds, and Death (vocal chamber music, soprano, violin, piano)

6. Idolatry (sung by Gracyn)

Jonathan Bailey Holland
Little Elegy (in An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs) (sung by Solomon)

Undine Smith Moore
I Want to Die While You Love Me (in An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs) (sung by Gracyn)

Rosephanye Powell
I Want to Die While You Love Me (in An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs) (sung by Gracyn)

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

Aliyah Quill and Solomon Onyukwu are students/graduates of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Rosephanye Powell and Betty Jackson King: Songs (ft. Sonya Baker)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0400

On this episode we focus on some songs of Rosephanye Powell and Betty Jackson King, both amazing women with some fabulous songs to their credit. All of these songs are sure to be accessible and exciting to audiences, while offering enough challenge to performers to make their songs worth digging into!

Our guest today is Dr. Sonya Baker, Professor of Voice at James Madison University. Sonya performs a lecture recital based on Marian Anderson's 1939 concert on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial, and helped curate a new song literature curriculum for NATS that can be downloaded from the NATS website, called Expanding the Canon.

Rosephanye Powell

Miss Wheatley's Garden (sung by Gracyn)

I Want To Die While You Love Me

Langston Dreams (sung by Aliyah)

Hold Fast to Dreams
I Dream A World

Then, Here, and Now (sung by Donovan)

Oppression

Betty Jackson King (sung by Toni)
these songs are in A New Anthology of Art Song by African Composers

Theology
Compensation

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

To compare Rosephanye Powell's setting of "I Want To Die While You Love Me" with the one from Undine Smith Moore, check out Episode 6 of this season!

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

You can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.

Aliyah Quill is currently a senior at Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Adolphus Hailstork: Songs (ft. Darryl Taylor and Kenneth Overton)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Adolphus Hailstork is an active, award-winning composer with a great output of art songs - and he's another name in our growing list of fabulous composers who studied with Nadia Boulanger! His works blend African, American, and European musical traditions in a unique way that is satisfying to both performers and audiences. We also have personal stories about Hailstork today from countertenor Darryl Taylor of the African American Art Song Alliance and baritone Kenneth Overton.

The exciting news from the episode intro: you can order Tyson Deaton's new anthology Songs of Joseph Bologne de Saint-Georges Vol 3 from Classical Vocal Reprints! We discussed that with him on Season 1 Episode. Additionally, soprano Karen Slack (also a CSI Digital family member with #KikiKonversations!) has published the works of Florence Price on her album Grammy Award-winning Beyond the Years: Unpublished Songs of Florence Price. The scores can be purchased from ONEcomposer.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Gracyn Blu, mezzo-soprano, Donovan Elliot Smith, tenor, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

A Charm At Parting (Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers) (sung by Gracyn)
Loveliest of Trees (An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs) (sung by Donovan)
Song (Art Songs for High Voice) (sung by Toni)
Vocalise (Art Songs for High Voice) (sung by Ricky)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA, the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

Check out Darryl Taylor and Brent McMunn performing Yet Do I Marvel by Adolphus Hailstork!

Be sure to check out Kenneth Overton and Casey Robards' new CD What Dreams We Have: The Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar, which includes some pieces by Hailstork!

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

You can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Robert Owens: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 18 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Robert Owens (1925-2017) funded his musical studies in Europe on the GI bill after serving in the military. He lived most of his adult life in Germany and in addition to composing, he was also a much-sought-after actor! All of his scores are available at Classical Vocal Reprints, and he has lots of songs in English, French, and German to choose from.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Hanna Atsedewoin, soprano, Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Op 14 Heart On The Wall (sung by Hanna)

Havanna Dreams
Girl

Op 101 Rimbaud Cabaret (sung by Ricky)

Rages de Césars

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

Listen to the orchestrated version of Heart On The Wall: Havanna Dreams sung by Louise Toppin with the Dvořak Symphony Orchestra.

Listen to the complete Rimbaud-Cabaret sung by Darryl Taylor with Maria Thompson Corley on piano.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can follow Hanna Atsedewoin on Instagram @hanna_atse

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Valerie Capers: Song of the Seasons (ft. Louise Toppin)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:00:00 -0500

Valerie Capers (b. 1935) was Juilliard's first blind student pianist, earning both her bachelor's and master's degrees there, and at the encouragement of her brother has gone on to become a noted jazz pianist (if you want to hear her play, check out this YouTube video). Song of the Seasons is her only song cycle, and it definitely should be in the standard repertoire! She also composed an operatorio based on the life of Sojourner Truth.

Our special guest today is Dr. Louise Toppin, a coloratura soprano who has sung all over the world, who teaches at University of Michigan, and who also runs Videmus, a non-profit arts organisation that produces concerts and recordings.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Aliyah Quill, soprano, Rachel Boll, cello, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Song of the Seasons:

I Spring
IV Winter
II Summer
III Autumn

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

The African American Art Song Alliance has the complete recording of Anita Johnson singing Song of the Seasons with Timothy Holley on cello and Susan Gray on piano, the recording that Louise mentioned at the start of the episode!

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

Aliyah Quill and Rachel Boll are students of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

John D. Carter: Cantata (ft. Casey Robards)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 21 Jan 2025 06:00:00 -0500

John D. Carter's Cantata was premiered in 1959 by Leontyne Price and David Garvey. A great pianist in his own right, Carter's song cycle is challenging for the pianist as well as the singer, with rhythmic displacements and dissonances that bring the melodies of the spirituals he chose into the classical realm. Our guest today, Dr. Casey Robards, earned her doctorate with a dissertation on John D. Carter. Be sure to check out Casey Robards' new CD with Kenneth Overton: What Dreams We Have: The Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar!

We also talk about Cecil Cohen, a pianist and composer who led a fascinating life including fighting on the front lines in WWI and performing his own music for the Roosevelts. He spent 30 years on the faculty of Howard University teaching piano, and has few extent songs, but this one is a powerhouse.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Solomon Onyukwu, baritone, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist (click on the titles for purchase information):

John D. Carter: Cantata

1: Prelude (piano solo)
4: Air (Let Us Break Bread Together)
5: Toccata (Ride On, King Jesus)

Cecil Cohen, from The Anthology of Art Songs by Black American Composers

Death of an Old Seaman (Langston Hughes text)

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA and at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

Solomon Onyukwu is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

H. Leslie Adams: Songs (ft. Darryl Taylor)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

H. Leslie Adams (1932-2024) is best-known for his vocal compositions, with a large output of art songs and song cycles to choose from, and his works have been performed all over the world. His music is accessible to audiences and performers alike, and our guest today, countertenor Darryl Taylor, of the African American Art Song Alliance, offers amazing insight into Leslie as a person and a composer, as well as shows us the deeper meaning in the songs we discuss.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, Donovan Elliot Smith, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Five Millay Songs (click on the titles for purchase information)

For You There Is No Song

Nightsongs

Creole Girl
Prayer

Collected Songs (several of the songs come in more than one key in this volume!)

Love Memory
Amazing Grace

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA, the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

Darryl Taylor has recorded all of these songs as well:

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

You can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Margaret Bonds: Six Songs on Poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay (ft. Lester Lynch, M. Roger Holland II)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 03 Dec 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Margaret Bonds (1913-1972) is probably best known for her setting of "He's Got the Whole World In His Hands", but has an extensive repertoire of art songs, which have a lot more crunch than most people expect!

Our special guest hosts today are baritone Lester Lynch, who balances his international career with teaching at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and composer M. Roger Holland II, from the University of Denver, who runs The Spirituals Project and composed Ubuntu: I Am Because You Are, premiered by Kantorei (as soon as there is a clip, we will add this to the show notes!).

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Gracyn Blu Louis, mezzo-soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

from Six Songs on Poems by Edna St. Vincent Millay

Even In The Moment (performed by Toni)
What Lips My Lips Have Kissed (performed by Toni)
Women Have Loved Before As I Love Now (performed by Gracyn)

You can also find more of Bonds' songs in the anthology Rediscovering Margaret Bonds.

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at https://cincysong.transistor.fm/.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Gracyn Blu Louis, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Zenobia Powell Perry: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Zenobia Powell Perry (1908-2004) decided to become a classical pianist when she heard Hazel Harrison (the first Black musician to perform with the Berlin Philharmonic) in concert, and went on to study with R. Nathaniel Dett! She became friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, who helped fund her studies. Her songs have a distinct sound, with some dissonance and notes of counterpoint and a level of interest in the piano parts that makes them fun for the singer and the pianist.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Donovan Elliot Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

From Threnody

Threnody

From Songs on Poems of Paul Laurence Dunbar

Sunset
Life

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA, and the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Howard Swanson: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Howard Swanson (1907-1978) studied at the Cleveland Institute of Music and went on to study at Fontainebleau with Nadia Boulanger. He was close with poet Langston Hughes and his settings of Hughes' texts are considered definitive. Swanson has a unique sound, which makes his music well-suited for more mature musicians, but is still very accessible for an audience.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Donovan Elliot Smith, tenor, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

One Day from Songs for Patricia
Goodnight from Songs for Patricia
Prelude 1 from Four Preludes

We also mentioned his settings of Langston Hughes texts, many of which are performed on this episode of Song of America radio series.

UPDATE: We updated this episode to include a clip from a performance of Swanson's The Negro Speaks of Rivers by Nicolas Newton, bass-baritone, and Blair Salter, pianist, from the archives of Cincinnati Song Initiative!

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.

For information on Nicolas Newton, see his website.

For information on Blair Salter, see her website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Undine Smith Moore: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 29 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Undine Smith Moore (1904-1989) was a classical pianist who trained at several prestigious universities, and despite her professors urging her to become a professional, she chose to become a public school music teacher and professor. She preferred to compose vocal music; her songs have a sweep and line to them that make them a joy to play and sing.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Gracyn Blu Louis, mezzo-soprano, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

From An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs

I Want To Die While You Love Me (sung by Gracyn)
I Am In Doubt (sung by Toni Marie)

From the Anthology of Art Songs by Black Composers

Love Let The Wind Cry... How I Adore Thee (sung by Toni Marie)

Recorded at Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Florence Price: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Known as a symphonic composer, Florence Price was the first African-American female to have one of her composition performed by a major orchestra in the US. Her music was rediscovered in 2009 in her old summer home, which has led to many of her works being recently published and premiered. Also an excellent pianist, her art songs include some virtuostic playing for the pianist, along with melodies that capture the text in a way that feels very immediate and can work anywhere in a recital.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, Gracyn Blu Louis, mezzo-soprano, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Hold Fast to Dreams (sung by Ricky)
Night (sung by Gracyn)
The Heart of a Woman (sung by Toni Marie)
Dawn's Awakening (sung by Gracyn)
An April Day (sung by Toni Marie)

Score are available from Classical Vocal Reprints:

We also mentioned our CSI colleague Karen Slack, soprano, who has the video podcast KikiConversations on YouTube - she has a new CD out of unpublished Florence Price songs with pianist Michelle Cann entitled Beyond the Years.

Recorded at The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

For more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

William Grant Still: Songs of Separation (ft. Lester Lynch, M. Roger Holland, II)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 06:00:00 -0400

William Grant Still (1895-1978) was the first African-American to have a symphony performed by a major US orchestra (Symphony No. 1-"Afro-American" in 1931), to have an opera performed by a major US opera house (Troubled Island by New York City Opera in 1949), to conduct a major US orchestra (the New Orleans Symphony Orchestra in 1955), and to have an opera performed on television (A Bayou Legend in 1981). His songs have a very American sound, with hints of French harmonies and spirituals.

Our special guest hosts today are baritone Lester Lynch, who balances his international career with teaching at San Francisco Conservatory of Music, and composer M. Roger Holland, II, from the University of Denver, who runs The Spirituals Project and composed Ubuntu: I Am Because You Are, premiered by Kantorei (as soon as there is a clip, we will add this to the show notes!).

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Aliyah Quill, soprano, Solomon Onyukwu, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist (click on the titles for purchase information):

Songs of Separation:

Idolatry
Poème
Parted

from the anthology William Grant Still: An Art Song Collection:

Bayou Home
Citadel

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

Aliyah Quill and Solomon Onyukwu are students/graduates of Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

R. Nathaniel Dett & Hall Johnson: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

R. Nathaniel Dett was a Canadian-American composer and concert pianist with a degree from Oberlin College. His arrangements of spirituals use the piano to great effect in bringing out the text--he also has an extensive repertoire of choral music. Hall Johnson was a professional violinist/violist who formed many choirs, the most famous of which (the Hall Johnson Choir) sang on over 30 major motion pictures (including several Disney films!). His Ride On, King Jesus should be a staple of the canon.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Dett (click on the titles for score information):

Johnson:

Ride On, King Jesus

Recorded at The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 03 Sep 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor was a British composer and conductor with strong ties to the United States. His songs have a very "salon-music" feel to them, romantic and accessible for audiences. His daughter Avril was also a composer-conductor and we would love to find out how to access her music, so if anyone knows, please reach out!

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Donovan Elliot Smith, tenor, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Hanna Atsedwoin, soprano, Aliyah Quill, soprano and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Lucy (from 3 Songs, Op. 27)
Tears (from Southern Love Songs, Op. 12)
Elëanore (found in the Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs)
Oh, the summer (duet composed in 1911) - sung by Hanna and Aliyah

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Be sure to check out the new CD What Dreams We Have: The Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar, performed by Kenneth Overton, baritone, and Casey Robards, pianist!

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.

You can follow Hanna Atsedewoin on Instagram @hanna_atse

Aliyah Quill is currently a senior at Carnegie Mellon University.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Harry Thacker Burleigh: Songs of Laurence Hope (ft. Kenneth Overton)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 20 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Harry Thacker Burleigh was the first Black composer to have a major influence on classical music, both by his own compositions and by his influence on Antonín Dvořak. His art songs were composed before his collection of spirituals and have recently been collected and edited by Louise Toppin, Ann Sears and Jean Snyder (who also wrote a biography of Burleigh) into 47 Art Songs by Harry T. Burleigh as part of the Videmus African American Art Song Series published by Classical Vocal Reprints.

Our special guest host on this episode is baritone Kenneth Overton, whose CD with pianist Casey Robards will be released at the end of the month--UPDATE, the CD has dropped! Be sure to check out their new CD What Dreams We Have: The Poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar!

We also mention The Spirituals of Harry T. Burleigh on the episode.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Ricky L. Owens, countertenor, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Songs of Laurence Hope
- Worth While
- Among the Fuchsias
- Till I Wake
Now Sleeps the Crimson Petal

Recorded at The Church Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

For more information on Ricky L. Owens, Jr., countertenor, visit his website.

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Season 3 Trailer

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Tue, 06 Aug 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Season 3 drops starting August 20th, this time on Tuesdays! This season, Toni Marie and Ellen focus on Black composers, with an incredible array of guest hosts and performers. Make sure to subscribe and tell all your friends, colleagues, and students, you won't want to miss this season!
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

Craig Bohmler: Quatre petites chansons pour le petit déjeuner

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 16 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

American composer Craig Bohmler has an extensive list of musicals as well as operas, art songs, concerti, etc. He has at least ten song cycles to his credit, and his music is highly accessible for audiences while still giving musicians as fun challenge to perform!

His cycles Love Letters and Quatre Petites Chansons pour le Petit Déjeuner are available from Sheet Music Plus as well as many other outlets.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Love Letters
- Unconditional Love
Quatre Petites Chansons pour le Petit Déjeuner
- I. À Monsieur Fauré
- III. À Monsieur Poulenc
- IV. À Monsieur Debussy

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Louise Talma: Terre de France

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 02 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Another student of Nadia Boulanger, Louise Talma was an American composer who taught at the American Conservatory at Fontainebleau as well as Hunter College. She was the first American female composer to have a full-scale opera performed in Europe. Terre de France uses traditional harmonies, but in the 1950s Talma started experimenting with serial techniques.

The score to Terre de France is available at Sheet Music Plus. We also mention her cycle Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird several times on the episode.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

1. Mère, voici vos fils (mistranslated in the episode! "Mother, here are your sons")
3. Ballade
4. Ode
5. Adieux à la Meuse

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Laura Kaminsky: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 18 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Laura Kaminsky is the composer of the opera As One, which has become one of the most performed operas since it premiered in 2014. Her music is many-faceted, with dissonance and harmony, as well as rhythmically interesting moments.

Laura's works can be purchased through Bill Holab Music.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Whitman Songs
- To a Stranger
Five Songs of Fauset and Grimké
- Your Hands
- Words! Words!
- Fragment

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Peggy Glanville-Hicks: 5 Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Australian composer Peggy Glanville-Hicks studied composition with Ralph Vaughan Williams and Nadia Boulanger, among other teachers. In addition to songs, she also composed several operas and orchestral works, and worked as a music critic for the New York Herald Tribune for a time.

Mimic Heaven, or 5 Songs to texts by A.E. Housman, is available through the Australia Music Center or through Inter-Library Loan (OCLC number is 1850131) in case the other company doesn't ship to the U.S.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Mimic Heaven
Stars
Unlucky Love

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Augusta Holmès: Mélodies

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Augusta Holmès was a French composer of Irish descent in the 19th century. Her music was received negatively by many famous male composers of the time as being "too virile", so she published some early works under a pseudonym. The songs in this episode are in French but with a distinct Spanish flair to them.

A huge shout-out to Allen Armstrong, Nicole Asel, and Deborah Popham for researching and bringing attention to Holmès!

The book Augusta Holmès: Selected Songs (from the Women Composers Series by Da Capo Press) seems to be out of stock at Amazon, it would be worth seeing if they can get a copy - however it is easily available through Inter-Library Loan (OCLC number is 10452732) at MANY libraries, check your local/school library because they may already have it (it's listed in 157 libraries)!

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

La haine
Le vin
Garci Perez

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

David del Tredici: Songs for Baritone and Piano

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 07 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0500

American composer David del Tredici is considered a pioneer of neo-Romanticism, and his art songs definitely show that. With many art songs, song cycles, vocal chamber works, and compositions for voice and orchestra, it is well worth perusing his website (which also lists clips to hear the pieces!) to check out the rest of his output.

His volume Songs for Baritone and Piano (with 11 songs, including the cycle Gay Life) is available at Sheet Music Plus.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Ballad in Yellow
2. In the Temple (Gay Life)
5. Here (Gay Life)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Juliusz Wertheim: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 29 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Juliusz Wertheim was a Polish composer, pianist, and conductor from the turn of the last century who was close friends with Arthur Rubinstein. His songs are lovely and lilting, accessible for an audience, and definitely should be a part of the standard repertoire!

His music is available online through a website that is working to keep more Polish music available. Because of this, they have made his works downloadable on IMSLP. University of North Texas also has him listed on their Lost Composers page - composers whose music has been lost because of the Holocaust, so research is being done to find more of his works.

With many thanks to Mark Trawka at the Pittsburgh Opera for his help with Polish diction!

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

W słońcu
Czemuż ja cię kochać muszę?
Listek i serce
Liebesahnung
Gekommen ist der Maie

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Ingolf Dahl: A Cycle of Sonnets/3 Songs to Poems of Albert Ehrismann

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 15 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Ingolf Dahl was a German-born, naturalized American composer, who was well-connected throughout the entire entertainment industry as well as in classical music. His art songs are marked by intricate rhythms and atonal vocal lines that bring the texts to life.

Purchase information:
A Cycle of Sonnets - not available for purchase, but is available through Inter-Library Loan. The OCLC number is 12263419.
Three Songs to Poems of Albert Ehrismann is available at Sheet Music Plus.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Gracyn Blu Louis, mezzo-soprano, Sarah Austin, mezzo-soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Sonnet I Solo e pensoso
Sonnet II Benedetto sia 'l giorno
I. Of him who died on the moor
III. The ships have come to the harbor

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

For more information on Gracyn Blu Louis, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

You can follow Sarah Austin on Instagram @sarah_austin_music

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Hans Werner Henze: Fünf Neapolitanische Lieder/Three Auden Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 06:00:00 -0500

Hans Werner Henze was a German composer who grew up during the time period of the Hitler Youth and went on to become a communist, leaving Germany because of his political views and its intolerance toward homosexuality. His music is influenced by serialism, atonality, jazz, and Arabic music, as well as standard compositional practices.

For purchase information, click on the set titles below.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

I. Aggio saputo cala morte vene (Fünf Neapolitanische Lieder)
V. Arbero piccerillo (Fünf Neapolitanische Lieder)
2. Rimbaud (Three Auden Songs)
3. Lay your sleeping head, my love (Three Auden Songs)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

NewMusicShelf Anthology of New Music: Trans and Non-Binary Voices

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 06:00:00 -0500

NewMusicShelf is a website dedicated to the production and distribution of scores by living composers. Their Anthology of New Music Series includes a volume of Trans & Non-Binary Voices.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Gracyn Blu Louis, mezzo-soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

At a Dinner Party (Hope Salmonson)
Captain of my Soul (Yoshi Weinberg)
Solitaire (Rossa Crean)
Breathe (Keith Allegretti)

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

For more information on Gracyn Blu Louis, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynblu

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Jennifer Higdon: Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Composer Jennifer Higdon has won a Pulitzer Prize and THREE Grammy awards! With a long list of prizes and commissions to her credit, she has a substantial output of songs, as well as vocal chamber music and songs with orchestra.

Her songs are available for purchase on her website.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Lilacs
To Home
Morning Opens

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Isabella Leonarda: Motets

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 30 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

One of the most prolific female composers of the 17th century, Isabella Leonarda, was also a high-ranking nun in an Ursuline convent, fulfilling all of her duties as a nun before composing on her own time - which we assume means she never slept! Her motets would be an excellent way to begin a recital.

While several of her works are available for purchase, the motets we discuss on this episode are on IMSLP - make sure to click on the "collections" tab to find several of her motets.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

No. 6 O flammae
No 11 Salve regina (2 sections)
No 20 Purpurei flores, recitative, and Sinfonia

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Mathilde von Kralik: Lieder

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 16 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Mathilde von Kralik was an Austrian composer with an extensive list of art songs in a very Romantic style. Shout-outs to tenor Donald George for sending us her name and some ideas to get started (you can listen to his recording of Kralik Lieder with pianist Lucy Mauro on Spotify) and to Ars Augusta, a non-profit society with the mission to promote "forgotten musical heritage especially Lied or Baroque operas", who sent us her Lied der Sappho (please contact them for purchase information of the score).

Her Liederbuch Maia (a collection of 54 songs in 3 volumes) is available through Theodore Front Musical Literature. Silbernebel is available on IMSLP through Creative Commons.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Silbernebel
Lied der Sappho (mvmts 1 and 3)
Götter, Helden und Minne (Maia)
Aus meines Sanges blühendem Garten (Maia)
Ich bin dein (Maia)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Henriëtte Bosmans: 10 Mélodies

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Dutch composer Henriëtte Bosmans survived the war-torn Netherlands through both WWI and WWII, saving her mother from a concentration camp. She composed Dix Mélodies starting in 1949, after the war, after the death of her mother, and just a few years before her own passing.

You can hear Henriëtte and her partner Noémie Perugia performing some of these songs on YouTube. The score is available through Sheet Music Plus.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Sarah Austin, mezzo-soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

La chanson des marins halés
Le regard éternel
La chanson fatale
Le diable dans la nuit

Recorded at the Carnegie Mellon School of Music Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

You can follow Sarah Austin on Instagram @sarah_austin_music

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Ethel Smyth: Songs and Lieder

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 19 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Dame Ethel Smyth was a leader of the British women's suffragette movement in the early 20th century, and the first woman composer to have her opera, Der Wald, performed at the Metropolitan Opera in NYC. The Ethel Smyth dot org website is run by Women's Philharmonic Advocacy, and includes a complete list of works with purchase information for every piece.

We also talked a bit about the Rachel Peter's song "Ethel Smyth Plays Golf in Limbo."

Click on the song set below for purchase information for the scores.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Possession (Three Songs)
Bei einer Linde (Op. 3)
Tanzlied (Op. 4)
Nachtgedanken (Op. 4)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Karol Szymanowski: Songs (Polish and German)

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 05 Oct 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Karol Szymanowski was a notable Polish composer, with a vast repertoire of song literature in many languages. His musical styles span from late German Romanticism to impressionistic and atonal, and can be a great introduction to singing atonal music!

With many thanks to Mark Trawka at the Pittsburgh Opera for his help with Polish Diction!

To clarify one point in the podcast, the Hafisliebeslieder, Op. 24, were originally poems by the 14th century Persian poet Hafiz of Shiraz. Szymanowski set the paraphrased German translation created by Hans Bethge, so German is the appropriate language for this set.

For purchase information, click on each individual song.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Op 7 No 1 Łabędź (The Swan)
Op 20 No 1 Na księżycu czarnym (To the Dark Moon)
Op 24 No 3 Die Brennenden Tulpen
Op 24 No 6 Trauriger Frühling
Op 48 Berceuse No. 3
Vocalise (note: this is from a complete edition of works. It may be preferable to look for this piece through Inter-Library Loan)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Gian Carlo Menotti: Canti della lontananza/Five Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 21 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Most of us probably know of Gian Carlo Menotti as an opera composer, with 25 operas to his credit, but he also had a small output of art songs to his own texts. His songs sound very much like miniatures of his operas and can be a great introduction to his style prior to working on the arias.

The scores for today are available at Sheet Music Plus: Canti della lontananza, Five Songs

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Mattinata di neve
Il settimo bicchiere di vino
La lettera
The Eternal Prisoner
The Idle Gift

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Siegfried Wagner: Lieder

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 07 Sep 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Siegfried Wagner, the oldest son of Richard Wagner, was surrounded by some of the most important musicians in Europe (including his grandfather, Franz Liszt), and his compositional style is influenced by all of them. He also composed operas and was artistic director of the Bayreuth Festival in the early 1900s.

His songs are collected in Sämtliche Klavierlieder--Volume 1 is the high key, and Volume 2 is the medium key of the same songs.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Frühlingsglaube
Nacht am Narocz
Ein Hochzeitslied

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Henri Sauguet: Mélodies

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 31 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Better known in his home country of France than in the United States, Henri Sauguet has over 200 Mélodies, many of which have not yet been recorded. His music is characterised by its simplicity (even when using polytonality!) and clarity.

His music is published by Salabert and distributed through Presto Music--the scores we used for today's episode are Mélodies et chansons and Visions infernales, and there are several other sets of songs by Sauguet on that site. To see a more comprehensive list of his art songs, check out his listing on Liedernet.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, Troy Cook, baritone, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Iles
Comme à la lumière de la lune
La ceinture
Le petit paysan (Visions infernales)

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

You can find out more about Troy Cook on his website, https://www.troycookbaritone.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Charles T. Griffes: Songs and Lieder

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 17 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Charles Tomlinson Griffes is best known for his song "The Lament of Ian the Proud", but he has many more art songs and German Lieder to his credit. Having studied with Engelbert Humperdinck for a time, his German Lieder have an intense German sound, while many of his English songs have a definite French influence.

"In a Myrtle Shade" and "Symphony in Yellow" are in the book Songs of C.T. Griffes Vol. 1 (available at Classical Vocal Reprints), as is "The Lament of Ian the Proud". There is also a Vol. 2 in that series with different songs for medium voice, while Vol. 3 has several of his German Lieder, including "Wohl lag' ich einst" and one of my favorites, "Nacht liegt auf den fremden Wegen". "Cleopatra to the Asp" is in Seven Songs. To see a more comprehensive list of his art songs, check out his listing on Liedernet.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, Zachary Dean Smith, tenor, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Wohl lag' ich einst
In a Myrtle Shade
Symphony in Yellow
Cleopatra to the Asp

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

You can find out more about Zach on his website, https://www.zacharydeansmith.com/

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Season 2 Trailer

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 03 Aug 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Season 2 drops starting August 17th! This season Toni Marie and Ellen are focusing on queer composers, with guest host Zachary Dean Smith. Make sure to subscribe and tell all your friends, colleagues, and students!

Vocalises

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 18 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

For the last episode of the season, we wanted to present a special topic: Vocalises! Not just for warming up, they can be incredible pieces for an audience as well. This episode covers the Fauré and Copland vocalises, as well as Turina's Op.74, his song cycle Vocalizaciones, with special guest, Jennifer Aylmer, Associate Professor of Voice at Carnegie Mellon University.

Since recording the podcast we've found a couple of other cycles of vocalises, including Daniel Pinkham's Vowels and Prokofiev's Op. 35 Пять песен вез слов (Five Songs without Words--also often performed by violinists). Let us know if you find any others!

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Fauré: Vocalise-étude
Copland: Vocalise
Turina: Vocalizaciones, Nos. 1, 2, 5, and 6

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

Season 2 will begin on August 17, 2023, and will focus on LGBTQ+ composers.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Pinkham: Three Songs from Ecclesiastes

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 04 May 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Ellen was first introduced to the music of Daniel Pinkham by tenor Kenneth Riegel (who played Don Ottavio in the 1979 movie with Raimondi). Pinkham taught composition at New England Conservatory and Boston Conservatory for six decades, but he also had a church job, so many of his works have a religious element like his Three Songs from Ecclesiastes. The score is available from Sheet Music Plus.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Michael Vallikappil, tenor (Instagram @mgvtenor), and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

I. Vanity of vanities
II. Go thy way, eat thy bread with joy
III. To every thing there is a season

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Jingle and theme music recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Le Chevalier de St. Georges

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Le Chevalier de St. Georges, Joseph Bologne, composed many songs, which are now being compiled by New York-based conductor Tyson Deaton! These pieces are the perfect way to introduce young singers to French repertoire and help them get comfortable with the language before venturing into more advanced tonalities. Anyone interested in purchasing these songs can contact Tyson through his website.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Complainte de Marie Stuart
Dans un bois solitaire
En vain des torments

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Alma Mahler: Fünf Lieder

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 06 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

There are only 17 extant songs by Alma Mahler (wife of Gustav), and her Fünf Lieder were the first pieces she had published. They are available in Alma Mahler: Sämtliche Lieder (Selected Songs) from Stanton's Sheet Music.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Die stille Stadt
Laue Sommernacht
Ich wandle unter Blumen

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Pizzetti: Cinque liriche

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 30 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Jennifer Aylmer, Associate Professor of Voice at Carnegie Mellon University, joins us to discuss Ildebrando Pizzetti's Cinque liriche. The score is available at SheetMusicPlus.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

1. I pastori
3. San Basilio
5. Passeggiata
4. Il cleft progione

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Glière Romances

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 16 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Composer Reinhold Glière is lesser-known even in Russia, but his songs are well worth digging into! They are available through IMSLP; since recording this episode, IMSLP now has the disclaimer that only the pieces before 1928 are public domain in the US, which seems to include all of his Romances (Russian art songs). If you are interested in the Azerbaijani traditional opera style that he created, the aria from Shakh-senem is available on YouTube.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Maika Madison, baritone, Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Я Атлас (I, Atlas)
Русалка (Rusalka)
Как светла, как нарядна весна (How light and elegant is the spring)

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA, and The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

North American Women Composers: Laitman, Dunphy, Hagen

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 02 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week we are focusing on three contemporary women composers in North America: Lori Laitman, Melissa Dunphy, and Jocelyn Hagen, all of whom have a great deal of Art Song repertoire to explore! To find more women composers, check out the Kassia Database, and for even more current composers or broader repertoire, the Facebook groups we recommended were: American Art Song Composers, American Vocal Chamber Music Composers, and The African American Art Song Alliance.

Since we recorded the episode, pianist Sandra Mogensen has also compiled lists of women composers' Lieder and Mélodies repertoire -the lists include IMSLP links to each song and are available for a nominal fee.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist, (listed along with links to purchase information for the cycle):

Lori Laitman: from The Metropolitan Tower and Other Songs (PDF score can be purchased at musicaneo.com)
- 1. The Metropolitan Tower
- 4. The Strong House
- 5. The Hour
Melissa Dunphy: from Four Poems of Nikita Gill
- I. Sorcery
- III. You Have Become a Forest
Jocelyn Hagen
- from Love Songs: i carry your heart
- from Kiss: How to Bone a Fish

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Lili Boulanger: Clairières dans le ciel

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

This week, we talk about the Boulanger sisters, focusing on Lili Boulanger and her Clairières dans le ciel, a set of 13 songs for soprano. Lili was the first woman to win the Grand Prix de Rome in composition. The score for this stunning work is available through Classical Vocal Reprints.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Elle était descendue au bas de la prairie
Un poète disait

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Krenek: Reisebuch aus den österreichischen Alpen

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 02 Feb 2023 06:00:00 -0500

For those of you who love Die schöne Müllerin and Winterreise, Ernst Krenek's Reisebuch aus den österreichischen Alpen is another epic song cycle to fall in love with! The scores (in four volumes) is available at Classical Vocal Reprints.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Michael Vallikappil, tenor (Instagram @mgvtenor), and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

No. 1: Motif
No. 4: Wetter
No. 14: Heimweh
No. 20: Epilog

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Jingle and theme music recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Santoliquido: Tre poesie persiane

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 19 Jan 2023 06:00:00 -0500

Happy 2023! We are starting the second half of Season 1 off with an amazingly beautiful set of songs by Francesco Santoliquido. The score for Tre poesie persiane is available at Sheet Music Plus.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Michael Vallikappil, tenor (Instagram @mgvtenor), and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

I. Quando le domandai
II. Io mi levai dal centro della Terra
III. Le domandai

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Jingle and theme music recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Duets for Soprano & Baritone

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 15 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

We're halfway through the season, so we wanted to do something special! Episode 10 covers duets for soprano and baritone that are not "Là ci darem la mano" :-) including some by Peter Cornelius (whose Op 16 has four duets) and works included in the book Joys Abiding: Soprano and Baritone Duets by Historical Women Composers, available at Classical Vocal Reprints.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Hannah Wolfe, soprano (Instagram @hannahwolfesoprano), Maika Madison, baritone (Instagram @maika.madison.baritone), and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Peter Cornelius: Brennende Liebe
Hensel: Die Mitternacht war kalt und stumm
Viardot: Habanera (main theme and first variation)
Beach: A Canadian Boat-Song

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Jingle and theme music recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Pasatieri: Bel Canto Songs

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Thomas Pasatieri has a large catalog of Art Songs, as well as 24 operas to his credit! Today's focus is on his Bel Canto Songs, a set of 6 songs on poems by William Blake, which are available through Classical Vocal Reprints.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

The Garden of Love
Laughing Song
The Lamb
Hear the Voice

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Inspired by A French Collection

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 17 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0500

Jennifer Aylmer, Associate Professor of Voice at Carnegie Mellon University, joins us today to discuss some lesser-known songs found on the album A French Collection (featuring Martyn Hill, tenor, Graham Johnston, piano, and Alber Ferber, piano). Jennifer found this recording on a music streaming service called Tidal. Links to the scores for these pieces can be found by clicking on the recording titles below.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***
So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Marschner: Ein Liederheft vom Rhein

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 03 Nov 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Heinrich Marschner was the most important German opera composer between Carl Maria von Weber and Richard Wagner, and he composed 430 Lieder! Dr. Jeffrey Williams, creator of the Marschner Song Database, joins Ellen to discuss Op. 186 Ein Liederheft vom Rhein (also available as PDF download). Dr. Williams has compiled several scores of Marschner's Lieder duets and opera arias for Classical Vocal Reprints, and his recording Marschner: Songs for Baritone with Jennifer McGuire, piano, can be found on Spotify.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Maika Madison, baritone , and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Still an der kühlen Fluth
Es schauen die Ruinen
Auch in der Fremde

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Jingle and theme music recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Donaudy: 36 Arie di stile antico

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 20 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

New York-based vocal coach Susan Morton of SingThrough Central joins us today to discuss the rest of Stefano Donaudy's songs (besides O del mio amato ben!). These songs are appropriate for singers at all levels and the score can be purchased at Classical Vocal Reprints. The recording that Susan recommended with Ernesto Palacio and Samuele Pala is available on Spotify .

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Amorosi miei giorni
Freschi luoghi, prati aulenti
Amor mi tiene in pugno
Tregua non ho

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Gomezanda: Mexican Song Collection

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Episode 5 introduces Gomezanda's Mexican Song Collection, a 3-volume set available at Classical Vocal Reprints. Our guest is Dr. Juanita Ulloa, who collected and edited the volumes; her direct email is juanitavoicetrainer@gmail.com.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Tiernamente (Tenderly-vol. 2)
Detente (Wait-vol. 1)
A una golondrina (To a Swallow-vol. 1)

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Hoiby: Three Ages of Woman

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 29 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This episode is about the songs of Lee Hoiby, particularly his short cycle Three Ages of Woman (settings of Elizabeth Bishop poetry), which can be purchased at Sheet Music Plus. His song album, Thirteen Songs, is also available at Sheet Music Plus. There is a brief cameo appearance from conductor Tyson Deaton who performed Three Ages of Woman with soprano Barbara Paver; recordings of that performance are available on YouTube.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

always it's spring (e.e. cummings poetry, in Thirteen Songs)
Filling Station
Insomnia

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Isabelle Aboulker: Savoir vivre et usages mondains

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 15 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

Episode 3 focuses on Isabelle Aboulker's Savoir vivre et usage mondains, found in her song album Mélodies, which can be purchased at Presto Music.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

À propos de la chaussette blanche...
Comment on offre le bras...
Violon (Fiançailles pour rire, Poulenc)
Et à propos de gant...

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Wolf: Liederstrauß

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 01 Sep 2022 06:00:00 -0400

This week, we discuss Hugo Wolf's Liederstrauß (with texts by Heinrich Heine) which were published posthumously. They are available for purchase through Amazon or Stretta Music.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Michael Vallikappil, tenor (Instagram @mgvtenor), and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

No. 1: Sie haben heut Abend Gesellschaft
No. 2: Ich stand in dunkeln Träumen
No. 6: Mein Liebchen wir saßen beisammen
No. 4 Aus meinen großen Schmerzen

Performances recorded at Carnegie Mellon University's Recording Studio in Pittsburgh, PA. Jingle and theme music recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

To hear the entire Liederstrauß, the recording we recommended on this episode was Schumann, Beethoven & Wolf: Vocal Works with Benjamin Bruns and Karola Theill.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

24 Italian Songs and Arias by Women Composers

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Thu, 18 Aug 2022 06:00:00 -0400

In the inaugural episode of So Lit Song Lit, we discuss the 24 Italian Songs and Arias by Women Composers, compiled and annotated by Nicole Leone and Randi Marazzo, available for purchase at Hildegard Publishing.

Recordings featured in this episode, performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, pianist:

Chi brama in amore (Strozzi)
Gia la notte s’avvicina (Colbran)
La Speranza al cor mi dice (Colbran)
Se spiegar (Szymanowska)

Recorded at The Camp Recording Studio in Elizabethtown, PA.

***

So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about their network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Season 1 Trailer

Cincinnati Song Initiative — Fri, 12 Aug 2022 21:18:54 -0400

Introducing So Lit Song Lit, where we reimagine the repertoire by examining less familiar art songs with lively discussion and sound clips! Join vocal coach Ellen Rissinger and soprano Toni Marie Palmertree as they explore the treasure trove of Lieder, Mélodies, Romances, and Art Songs. First episode drops August 18!

This podcast is sponsored by Cincinnati Song Initiative.