Art Song Intimacy, Friendship, and the Power of Collaboration With Founder Scott Murphree
Photos Courtesy of Mirror Visions Ensemble
Why art songs?
I love the genre, and I want to do everything I can to keep it alive and thriving. Art song brings poetry and music together in a uniquely intimate way, and there is an extraordinary richness in that combination that I want to share with as many people as possible.
What can people get from experiencing arts songs that is different from something like opera or large orchestral pieces?
There’s something very special about the closeness of hearing voice and piano in a smaller venue. The connection between the performers and the audience can be incredibly direct and personal. Art song invites you into a world of poetry, music, and emotion that feels like an intimate conversation.
Pianist and Associate Director Grant Wenaus
“Art song invites you into a world of poetry, music, and emotion that feels like an intimate conversation.”
Founder, Director, and Tenor Scott Murphree with Christopher Berg at MVE Merkin Hall, 2010
MVE has commissioned an impressive amount of works. What are your top five?
My five favorites are:
Portrait en miniature de Madame de Sévigné by Christopher Berg
A Visit with Emily by Tom Cipullo
Clean Plates Don’t Lie by Richard Pearson Thomas
Song by Randall Eng
Silver Songs by Griffin Candy
I chose these not only because I love them, but because they are substantial, multi-movement works that make important contributions to the American art song repertoire. Each has its own distinctive voice and character, and I’m proud that Mirror Visions Ensemble has helped bring them into the world.
Are we hearing any of the top 5 at your Nov 2nd concert, AFTERIMAGES: Music by Christopher Berg?
Yes! We’ll be performing Christopher Berg’s Portrait en miniature de Madame de Sévigné.
Chris lived in Paris for several years, where he developed a deep knowledge of French language and culture. He admired the letters of Madame de Sévigné and created a captivating musical collage inspired by them. The work brings to life her wit, warmth, friendships, gossip, and observations on everything from fashion to food. It’s a wonderful example of Chris’s imagination and his ability to transform literature into music.
In Great Barrington, Christopher Berg with Floppy at Tobé's (Founder and Executive Director Emerita) house, 1997
Music and art have a unique way of living beyond the artist in perpetuity, whether it's while they remain on this plane with us or not. What does it mean to you to not only honor and celebrate your dear late friend and collaborator Christopher Berg through the work you have accomplished together in his lifetime but also have the opportunity to share a world premiere of his work after his passing?
An artist’s legacy lives on after they’re gone, and I believe it’s the responsibility of those of us who knew them, worked with them, and loved them to help keep that legacy alive. It’s an honor and a privilege to have been so close to Chris, both personally and musically. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue sharing his work with the world. I’m pleased that this program includes the world premiere of The Unicorn, a piece that MVE commissioned but never performed. Our AFTERIMAGES concert is a meaningful way to celebrate Chris’ life, artistry, and the lasting impact he has had on all of us.
Collaboration and supporting artists seems to be an important pillar to Mirror Visions Ensemble. What has collaborating with people like Christopher taught you through the years?
Absolutely. Making music for voice and piano is a communal effort. The best results come when everyone involved is truly listening and responding to one another, putting the music ahead of individual egos. Collaborating with exceptional artists like Chris has shaped me into the singer and musician I am today. I’m incredibly grateful for the artistic relationships I’ve built and for the musical path we’ve traveled together.
“I believe it’s the responsibility of those of us who knew them, worked with them, and loved them to help keep that legacy alive.”
What do you hope people take away from AFTERIMAGES on November 2nd?
I hope people come away with two things: first, a deeper appreciation for Christopher Berg and the remarkable breadth of his talents; and second, a desire to explore more art song, both in live performances and on recordings. There is a wonderful world of song waiting to be discovered, and I hope this concert inspires people to seek it out.
To purchase tickets for AFTERIMAGES: Music by Christopher Berg CLICK HERE
Interview: Karlye Whitt
Editor-in-Chief: Karlye Whitt
