In July of 1985, soprano Marvis Martin visited Interlochen and presented a recital with pianist Gary Ledet.

When Martin gave her New York debut recital in 1981, a critic for the New York Times called her "promising" (she was only 21 years old at the time) and praised the "unusual brightness, evenness and quality" of her lyric soprano voice. 

By the time she performed at Interlochen in 1985, Martin had appeared in productions of "Boris Godunov," "Don Carlo," "Ariadne auf Naxos" and "Porgy and Bess" at the Metropolitan Opera. 

During her visit, she worked with students and presented a recital of wide-ranging repertoire.

Portions of that recital are the focus of this week's program.

Martin has appeared on the Met stage many other times, including another production of "Porgy and Bess" as well as Mozart's "Idomeneo." She's also performed concert programs with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic.

Program

G. F. Handel, "Bel piacere" and "Piangero la sorte mia"

J. Brahms, "Botschaft," "Die Mainacht," "Dien blaues Auge" and "Von ewiger Liebe"

E. Satie, "La Statue de bronze" and "Dapheneo"

A. Copland, "Why do they shut me out of heaven?"

D. Argento, "Spring"

N. Rorem, "Ferry me across the water"

H. Johnson, "Give me Jesus," "Honor, honor" and "Fix me, Jesus"

M. Bonds, "He's got the whole world in his hands"

The archival recordings heard on this program are available thanks in part to the Association for Recorded Sound Collections' Classical Preservation Grant, support from our listeners and the Hamer D. and Phyllis C. Shafer Foundation. 

Michael Culler provided audio engineering assistance.

Eileen Ganter provided research support.