So Lit Song Lit

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 SongsRóże (Rose)Nad wodą wielką i czystąBoli mnie głowaWe 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 (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 3RosenElfenliedchenOp 5Seliger Eingang (in Book 2)Op 11-Vier Gedichte von GoetheEs war einmal ein KönigRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 (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:SpleenMandolineL'heure exquiseFantochesRecorded 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.

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 dormantChanson fleurieBonis:Le chat sur le toitRecorded 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 (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 RoseWhere Youth's Eternal7 Songs as Unpretentious as the Wild RoseI Love You Truly11 Small Songs as Unpretentious as the Wild RoseTis Summer In Thine EyesHalf-Minute SongsMusical 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 (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:ÉcrinL'étéViens, mon bien-aimé!L'amour captifRecorded 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.

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 tüchtigMuch 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 LiederNo 1 Ein FichtenbaumNo 5 UnruheOp 60 Deutsche LiebesliederNo 3 Namenloses WehNo 5 Es muss was Wunderbares seinRecorded 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 (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 SeriesApparitionsAh, Love, but a DayThe Year's at the SpringOp 32 Browning Songs, Second SeriesMy StarRecorded 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 (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 höstdagVi ses igenVisa en vårmorgonRecorded 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.

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 (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 LoreleyOp. 25 Drei LiederSang wohl, sang das VogeleiHeidenrösleinIch stand in dunkeln TräumenAbendlied (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 (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:HavanaiseHaï luliBonjour mon cœurMazurka No. 31 in Ab (Chopin)Seize ansRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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.

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:Browne-The Courier DoveBrowne-The Song of the SkylarkSloman-Queen of the NightHodges-The Dreary Day 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 (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 mirScheideblick (sung by Troy)Lied (Immer sich rein)Ob ich manchmal dein gedenkeUnd 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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'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 (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  (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 VeilchenSie scheinen zu spielenSieh mich, Heil’ger, wie ich binSchubert:Erlkönig (intro)Schröter: ErlkönigO 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 (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 AirRecitLe Passage de la mer rougeRécit-Mouvement MarquéRecorded 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 (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 severoI 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeAndrew 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 (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 vociEcco ch'io verso il sangueRegina coeliFresche 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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.

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.

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 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 TimeRefusalThe LessonHolland--Three Spirituals (sung by Toni)There is a Balm in GileadRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeAliyah Quill is a student of Carnegie Mellon University. This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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.

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 @ToniMariePalmertreeSolomon Onyukwu is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University. This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

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 MooreFlowers 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 HollandLittle Elegy (in An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs) (sung by Solomon)Undine Smith MooreI Want to Die While You Love Me (in An Anthology of African and African Diaspora Songs) (sung by Gracyn)Rosephanye PowellI 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynbluAliyah 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.

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 PowellMiss Wheatley's Garden (sung by Gracyn)I Want To Die While You Love Me Langston Dreams (sung by Aliyah)Hold Fast to DreamsI Dream A WorldThen, Here, and Now (sung by Donovan)OppressionBetty Jackson King (sung by Toni)these songs are in A New Anthology of Art Song by African ComposersTheologyCompensationRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynbluYou 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 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor more information on Gracyn Blu, visit their website, or you can follow them on Instagram @gracynbluYou 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 (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 DreamsGirlOp 101 Rimbaud Cabaret (sung by Ricky)Rages de CésarsRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou can follow Hanna Atsedewoin on Instagram @hanna_atseFor 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 (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 SpringIV WinterII SummerIII AutumnRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeAliyah 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'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: Cantata1: 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 ComposersDeath 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeSolomon 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 (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 SongNightsongsCreole GirlPrayerCollected Songs (several of the songs come in more than one key in this volume!)Love MemoryAmazing GraceRecorded 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:For You There Is No SongCreole GirlPrayerLove MemoryAmazing Grace***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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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 (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 MillayEven 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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 (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 ThrenodyThrenodyFrom Songs on Poems of Paul Laurence DunbarSunsetLifeRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 (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 PatriciaGoodnight from Songs for PatriciaPrelude 1 from Four PreludesWe 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 (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 SongsI 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 ComposersLove 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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.

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:44 Art Songs and SpiritualsThe Heart of a WomanWe 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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 (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:IdolatryPoèmePartedfrom the anthology William Grant Still: An Art Song Collection:Bayou HomeCitadelRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeAliyah 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 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):Follow MeSomebody's Knocking At Your DoorI'm So Glad Trouble Don't Last AlwayJohnson:Ride On, King JesusRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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 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 AliyahRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou can follow Donovan Elliot Smith on his YouTube page.You can follow Hanna Atsedewoin on Instagram @hanna_atseAliyah 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 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 HopeWorth WhileAmong the FuchsiasTill I WakeNow Sleeps the Crimson PetalRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeFor 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 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.

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 LettersUnconditional LoveQuatre Petites Chansons pour le Petit DéjeunerI. À Monsieur FauréIII. À Monsieur PoulencIV. À Monsieur DebussyRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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.

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. Ballade4. Ode5. Adieux à la MeuseRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 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 SongsTo a StrangerFive Songs of Fauset and GrimkéYour HandsWords! Words!FragmentRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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.

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 HeavenStarsUnlucky LoveRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 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 haineLe vinGarci PerezRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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.

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 Yellow2. 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 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 słońcuCzemuż ja cię kochać muszę?Listek i serceLiebesahnungGekommen ist der MaieRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 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 pensosoSonnet II Benedetto sia 'l giornoI. Of him who died on the moorIII. The ships have come to the harborRecorded 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 @ToniMariePalmertreeYou 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 @gracynbluYou can follow Sarah Austin on Instagram @sarah_austin_music This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.