The Eternal Feminine

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This vocal and piano recital offers a sensitive and revealing journey through the creative world of female composers who, despite their extraordinary talent, were long marginalised in the history of music. Bringing together works by Cécile Chaminade, Lili Boulanger, Fanny Hensel, Amy Beach and Pauline Viardot, the programme celebrates the aesthetic, expressive and cultural diversity of these composers, who were active between the 19th and early 20th centuries.
From Chaminade’s lyrical delicacy and melodic refinement to Boulanger’s emotional depth and subtle modernity, via Hensel’s poetic intensity, Beach’s harmonic richness and Viardot’s expressive theatricality, each work reveals a unique and deeply personal voice. What these composers share is an unparalleled ability to fuse text and music, exploring themes such as love, nature, introspection and imagination.
This recital invites the audience to rediscover a repertoire of great artistic value, bringing to the present female voices that have shaped — and continue to enrich — our musical heritage.

Programme
Cécile Chaminade (1857-1944)
Angelus
Le Noël des Oiseaux
Chanson Triste

Lily Boulanger (1893-1918)
Au pied de mon lit
Vous m’avez regardé

Fanny Hensel (1805-1847)
Gebet in der Christnacht, H 63

5 Lieder, Op.10
IV. Im Herbste

6 Lieder, Op.7
I. Nachtwanderer

Melissa Fontoura (1978)
Holy Ground

Amy Beach (1867-1944)
Springtime, Op.124

4 Songs, Op.99
I. When mama sings

4 Songs, Op.48
II. Good Morning

Pauline Viardot (1821-1910)
Le rêve de Jésus, VWV 1074

10 Mélodies
X. Tarentelle, VWV 1088

Rêverie, VWV 1024

Performers
Ariana Russo, soprano
Rita Morão Tavares, alto
Melissa Fidalgo Fontoura, piano

Partnership: Santarém Municipal Council
Support: Almoster Parish Council + Almoster Parish

Information
If you have any questions, please contact us:
Tel. 967 716 647 or info@cistermusica.com