An American Tapestry (Peter Lightfoot & Deborah Moriarty)
Baritone Peter Lightfoot, described as “vocally brilliant” by Opera News, presents a CD of art songs by American composers. These pieces represent different periods and aspects of the American experience.Some songs may be familiar, for example, Barbara Allen, Colorado Trail, and It’s Me, O Lord, and some may be unknown to many listeners. The composers of these selections, from sea chanties to spirituals,have expressed the music in a unique classical manner while retaining their original “Americana” flavor.ginal “Americana” flavor.
Sea Chanties Celius Dougherty
1. Rio Grande 2:50
2. Blow, Ye Winds 1:40
3. Across the Western Ocean 2:51
4. Mobile Bay 2:13
5. Shenandoah 2:39
Folk Songs Celius Dougherty
6. Buffalo Boy 2:40
7. I Wish I Were on Yonder Hill 3:03
8. Colorado Trail 2:40
9. Red River Valley 2:31
10. Shady Grove 1:37
11. Barbara Allen 5:58
12. Wayfaring Stranger 3:18
Gambling Songs John Jacob Niles
13. The Rovin’ Gambler 3:02
14. The Gambler’s Lament 2:41
15. The Gambler’s Wife 2:52
16. Gambler’s Song of the Big Sandy River 1:54
Songs John Jacob Niles
17. The Lass from the Low Countree 2:40
18. The Carol of the Birds 3:08
Cherokee Songs Traditional
19. Lullaby 1:13
20. Quail Song 2:02
Spirituals Betty Jackson King
21. It’s Me, O Lord (for Benjamin Matthews) 3:26
22. In The Springtime 2:07
23. Calvary (Dedicated to William Warfield) 3:50
REVIEWS
Fanfare Magazine (Nov/Dec 2014)
“…a fine recording.”
“Lightfoot brings to the music a robust, chocolaty baritone - all rounded tone and deep resonance, coupled with excellent diction.”
“[Lightfoot] presents the music with the authority and dignity of a master storyteller.”
"The final group of three songs, arranged and set by the rarely performed 20th-century Chicago composer Betty Jackson King, is one of the most satisfying, not only because it gives the listener a chance to become acquainted with this neglected composer, but also because the songs allow Lightfoot a thrilling dramatic climax. King adds a bluesy element to the traditional spiritual, “It’s Me, O Lord,” and Lightfoot is able to let go, particularly in the “Hallelujah” section. The middle art song, “In the Springtime,” setting a Shakespeare text, provides a lyric interlude before the baritone launches into a powerful rendition of “Calvary.” With the hammering piano chords and the ominous march tempo setting the scene for the Passion, the baritone sings the ascending repetitions of the refrain with an agonized intensity and bone-chilling finish.”
“…"An American Tapestry" is a welcome addition to the recorded literature of American song….”
“Highly recommended!”
