Death of a risk-taking US recitalist
RIPThe death has been communicated of the American tenor Paul Sperry, a recitalist who dedicated much of his life to new music by US composers.
His premieres covered works by Robert Beaser, William Bolcom, Victoria Bond, Daniel Brewbaker, Tom Cipullo, Nathan Currier, Daron Hagen, Richard Hundley, William Kraft, Libby Larsen, Harold Meltzer, John Musto, Stephen Paulus, Russell Platt, Robert Rodriguez, Larry Alan Smith, Louise Talma, Francis Thorne, Nicholas Thorne, Dan Welcher, Richard Wilson and Charles Wuorinen and Judith Lang Zaimont.
He was one of only four artists to record the complete songs of Charles Ives.
Raised in Chicago, he lived in New York and taught at Manhattan School of Music.
Not on topic, but out of those composers listed in this post, are there any that are worth listening to? (I am not looking for chaotic meaningless contemporary music)
Honest question;
Thank you
Your question is best answered by following the work of performers like Paul Sperry.
Why don’t you listen and find out for yourself if you like it or not. Mr. Sperry thought it would be worth your time.
If you don’t recognize what is a virtual who’s who of important contemporary composers, then I’m not sure anyone is capable of knowing what your definition of “chaotic meaningless” music would be, as seen from a position of ignorance of their music. Just being honest. To each his own. I hope you CAN find something to your taste….that’s more important than whatever the rest of us tell you.
You’re not the only one to ask that question. In Europe, I’d say most of us have never heard of either him or they. Both continents – Europe and America – are awash with composers who have had first and last performances of pieces. You never hear of the second, third or fourth performance, particularly song recital stuff. There will always be experts on here who follow contemporary music. I’m afraid I am not one of them as I also like to listen to all kinds of music, and only so many hours in the day. I will be going to several concerts at the Proms where there will be music, both contemporary and other wise, that I will never have heard before, and so I am not adverse to something new. But it has to be good, not just a fashion.
His recordings of Canti del Sole by Bernard Rands are superb (as is the music, along with Rands’ companion cycles Canti Lunatici and Canti dell’Eclisse, all three in versions both for chamber and full orchestra accompaniment).
A wonderful man and devoted artist. May his name be for a blessing…
Thank you, Joel, for providing the most appropriate and appreciated response to this post. Be well and have a good day!
Thank you Joel and Julie. Paul was a wonderful man. I must comment here on the review of the new Canadian opera on the life of Portia White, a black contralto. The reviewer a few days ago was annoyed that elements of jazz and black rythms have nothing to do with opera or art song. As a black woman she was obviously part of black culture. It’s unfortunate that the reviewer didn’t hear what I heard yesterday at the last performance of the run. It IS a wonderful new ‘opera’ with a great message for everyone through the life of Ms. White. Yes, there were guitars, a rythm section, strings, brass and lots of percussion. A great afternoon with lots of young people. Three beautiful new voices sharing several roles. Inspiring score by a new black composer who conducted. What’s not to love?
I hadn’t heard of Sperry, so I took this opportunity to listen to his recordings, and I think his singing is wonderful. So, for this reason alone it was worth coming to this platform today.
As a young pianist and accompanist back in 1981, I was privileged to meet and work with Paul Sperry at the Aspen Music Festival. He gave me the chance to accompany many singers in his song class, and play numerous lessons for him and perform in the concert tent in recital. I will be forever grateful to him for these experiences. May he Rest in Peace now after a life full of music well lived.