Ah! Love, But a Day
Louise Toppin (soprano), Jay Pierson (baritone), John O'Brien (piano)
The artists on this disc write: "Through the ages, they have played recitals, studied in conservatories, written symphonies, concerti, chamber music, operas and piano works. Their music has been performed and recorded by the world's most prestigious orchestras, chamber ensembles, vocalists and instrumentalists. Although frequently neglected, art songs have consistently appeared in the output of women composers. From the parlor songs of Amy Beach to the jazzy accompaniments and lush tunes of Margaret Bonds, American and African-American women have created well-written and interesting compositions and made exciting contributions to the art of song repertoire. This CD is a compendium of these unsung (and in some instances unpublished) art songs. Some are romantic and rapturous, others folksy and frilly, yet all are replete with charm and dignity and worthy to be heard."
Track Listing
| Title | Composer | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| Guide my Feet | Jackie Hairston | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Ride up in the Chariot | Betty Jackson King | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| At the Foot of Yon Mountain | Barbara Poulshock | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Canaan | Barbara Poulshock | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Ah! Love, But a Day | Amy Beach | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Songs of the Season | Margaret Bonds | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| The Pasture | Margaret Bonds | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Little David play on your harp | Margaret Bonds | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Into the night | Clara Edwards | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| O'Jim | Clara Edwards | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Three Cowboy Songs | Libby Larsen | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| In the Twilight | Margaret Ruthven Long | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Irish Love Song | Margaret Ruthven Long | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| To be baptised | Undine Moore | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Set Down | Undine Moore | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| I want to die while you love me | Undine Moore | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Come down angels | Undine Moore | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Sympathy | Florence Price | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| The Glory of the day was in her face | Florence Price | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| Hold Fast to Dreams | Florence Price | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| American Lullaby | Gladys Rich | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| From Though Love be a day (Maggie & Millie & Molly & May) | Gwyneth Walker | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
| From Though Love be a day (Still) | Gwyneth Walker | Louise Toppin, soprano, Jay Pierson, baritone, John O'Brien, piano |
Reviews
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"The program is richly varied, from spirituals and ballads of love to cowboy songs and amusing lyrics. They have in common a wealth of pleasing melody..."
*Album cover provided for Editorial use only. ©Albany Records. The Albany Imprint is a registered trademark of PARMA Recordings LLC. The views and opinions expressed in this media are those of the artist and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views and opinions held by PARMA Recordings LLC and its label imprints, subsidiaries, and affiliates.