I recorded the Hermit Songs of Samuel Barber (1910-1981) in 2011 in collaboration with Andrew Earle Simpson on the piano. Besides putting the recording on a demo CD, I didn’t really do anything with it. (Some of you have that CD – I gave them away on a “donations accepted” basis – and I don’t want you to think this is a new recording!)
When the COVID-19 pandemic transformed the way so many people were going about their daily lives, I thought, what better time for the Hermit Songs? Andrew and I both listened and agreed that even though we made the recording quite a while ago, we were both happy with our performances. I see this song release as almost a way to keep engaging with an audience that I can’t see in person. I also want to share some insights about how my understanding of these songs has been shaped, both before and after the start of the pandemic. I’ll be releasing these reflections serially in six installments. Each post will highlight one or more of the songs. I hope you enjoy them!
