@leandraramm: These poignant writings from five American women's diaries are the foundation of 'Centuries In the Hours' by composer Lisa Bielawa. It was an honor to record the vocal-piano premiere of this important song cycle along with pianist Michael Delfín! "As a Visiting Artist Fellow at the American Antiquarian Society in Worcester Massachusetts, I uncovered an entire alternative American history, woven together through the experiences of women from all socioeconomic and ethnic backgrounds, of all ages, from all corners of the US and its nascent territories and all chapters of our history..." – Lisa Bielawa Sarah Wister, North Wales, Pennsylvania, 17 years old "I sauntered through the house, upstairs, then down again, out of one chamber into the other, snatch up a book, find it old, throw peevishly down—take my work, this employs me for a few minutes, toss it away—a sigh from the inmost recesses of my heart. Oh dear, oh dear, go to the door —a long lane very muddy, the barn, fences and trees as common as my fingers. I hate the country—where now ye poets are all your charming walks, your smiling scenes? Away to the south door—overflowed meadows, board fences, sloppy roads, woods, woods, woods, continually presented … Philadelphia, dear Philadelphia, why am I absent from thee, and thy loved inhabitants? Why is not reason a resident in my heart? But what has reason to do with a discontented mind?—Obey a summons to dine —the meal over—run to my chamber—jump up—in a stupid mood. Put on my cap … Adjust my dress, toss up the window, hearing a noise and fancying it some smart military swain. Disappointed …I wish it would clear." – 1778 Centuries in the Hours "When my happiness is given me I shall live centuries in the hours" — Mary MacLane, Butte, Montana, January 27, 1919 (19 years old) Excerpts from American women’s diaries (in public domain unless otherwise noted) #newmusic #contemporaryclassical #mezzosoprano #albumrelease #chambermusic #albumrelease American Antiquarian Society #classicalmusic Ablaze Records producer @Douglas Knehans

Leandra Ramm

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Wednesday 19 February 2025 22:45:57 GMT