Grammy-winning opera superstar Nathan Gunn has made a reputation as one of the most exciting and in-demand baritones of our day. He has appeared in internationally renowned opera houses, is a distinguished concert performer and frequent recitalist. In his debut Armstrong Auditoriumrecital and joined by his wife, the superb pianist Julie Gordon Gunn, the pair open with a selection of songs by Franz Schubert that show the composer’s exuberance and his playfulness along with his remarkable dramatic accomplishments in vocal settings. Also on the first half: Nathan and Julie offer one of the great and most enigmatic song cycles of the romantic European tradition, Robert Schumann’s Dichterliebe.
After intermission the Gunns journey to America via a sampling of songs by Samuel Barber, whose romantic sensibility is realized in textures at once lyrical, rhythmically complex and harmonically rich; the maverick and visionary Charles Ives, who incorporates an extraordinary breadth of American musical influences from the street, the parlor, and hymnody; and from the music hall and vaudeville tradition, cabaret settings by William Bolcom. And listeners will enjoy up close, personal and engaging commentary from both artists. It’s Nathan and Julie Gunn in conversation and concert this week on Performance Oklahoma! Tune in Saturday, August 3rd, 8pm, on Classical 88.7.