So Lit Song Lit

For your "Twix-bar of an episode", today we are talking about Jane Vieu (1871-1955) and Mel Bonis (1858-1937). Jane Vieu started composing at age 11 and studied composition with Massenet. Mel Bonis had rather Wagnerian-opera life story, due to her parents' attempts to control her--she became a musician despite their machinations.

For anyone who has never heard Anna Russell, check out the YouTube clip of her with Canto dolciamente pipo (her Italian is intentionally not perfect!).

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Vieu (found in Anthology of Songs, the score is available from many libraries and through ILL):
  • Belle au bois dormant
  • Chanson fleurie
Bonis:
  • Le chat sur le toit

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter: Ellen 1, Toni 1

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So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.

Creators and Guests

Host
Ellen Rissinger
So Lit Song Lit Creator & Co-Host
Host
Toni-Marie Palmertree
So Lit Song Lit Co-Host

What is So Lit Song Lit?

This is So Lit Song Lit, where we reimagine the repertoire by introducing less familiar songs through sound clips and lively discussion! Together we’ll be exploring songs by composers that you may or may not have heard of already, showing how they compare to standard works, and giving you a taste of what they sound like. Join us down the rabbit hole as we expand the song canon!