29 - Dan Dressen

Dan Dressen’s is typically the first voice you hear on the Renaissance Man podcast. His tenor opens the excerpt of “Quartet Of Swedes” from Benjamin Britten’s opera Paul Bunyan, recorded on Virgin Classics, conducted by Philip Brunelle. In this episode, the two long-time collaborators discuss why, as Dan puts it, “choirs are the perfect example of the whole being greater than the sum of their parts.” 

 After reviewing Dan’s history leading to their first collaboration, the two discuss the business of choral rehearsing, the science and art of “choral blend,” why pronunciation matters most, the fortunate end of the maestro era, the benefits and challenges of listening, and why, “singing is such a psychological game. ” We end with a synopsis of friendship. Given over 40 years of personal and professional relations, Dan and Philip share a few lessons in how two people come to understand, respect and build a lasting connection. We recorded this in the Parlor of Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, where you’ll notice the old grandfather clock chiming in every 15 minutes and the occasional group moving through neighboring Guild Hall. This episode features the following musical recordings, all conducted and produced by Philip Brunelle: “Dear Friends, With Your Leave” composed by Benjamin Britten; from the opera Paul Bunyan — featuring tenor soloist Dan Dressen with The Plymouth Music Series (1988) https://www.discogs.com/master/877906-BrittenPlymouth-Music-Series-Philip-Brunelle-Paul-Bunyan “The King of Love My Shepard Is” composed by Edward C. Bairstow and performed by the Plymouth Congregational Church Choir at the 11am Service October 20, 2024 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WT0Vauj5L4&t=1s “There Was A Naughty Boy” composed by Dominick Argento; from A Nation of Cowslips — Performed by the Ensemble Singers Of The Plymouth Music Series Of Minnesota (1998) https://www.discogs.com/release/15742159-Dominick-Argento-Christopher-ORileyEnsemble-Singers-Of-The-Plymouth-Music-Series-Of-Minnesota-Philip “What Cheer, Good Cheer” composed by Peter Warlock; from Praise And Thanksgiving: Music And Spoken Word — Featuring tenor soloist Dan Dressen with the Plymouth Congregational Church Choir (2006)