Soirs d’été

Featuring

Rebecca Wascoe Hays
Jamie Van Eyck
Jeffrey Peterson
Charles-Marie Widor

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Compositional Technique

The duets on this album feature two voices in close harmony, symbolizing dialogue, empathy, and mutual presence.

Performer Biography

Jeffrey Peterson, the pianist on this album, is an Associate Professor of Vocal Coaching at Baylor University and has performed and given master classes on five continents.

Compositional Technique

Widor's solo songs from Soirs d'été, settings of Paul Bourget's poetry, are more introspective and philosophical, using subtle harmonic shifts and melodic restraint.

Cultural Impact

Widor's famous Toccata for organ remains a popular piece for weddings and concerts globally.

Composer Biography

Charles-Marie Widor, born in Lyon in 1844, is primarily known for his organ symphonies and served as organist at the Church of Saint-Sulpice in Paris for over 60 years.

Compositional Technique

Widor's Six duos, with texts by poets like Victor Hugo, explore themes of love, nature, solitude, and longing, characteristic of French Romanticism.

Composer's Artistic Vision

This album highlights a more intimate side of Widor, showcasing his solo songs and duets for voice and piano, which offer delicate meditations on human emotion and poetry.