A Poet’s Love

Soprano Sarah Crane, baritone Shaun Brown, and pianist Alex Raineri delighted the full house at Opera Queensland Studio with A Poet’s Love. This passionate performance marked the final Opera Queensland (OQ) recital for 2021. It was a charming way to cap off a successful year for both OQ and their production partners – Brisbane Music Festival, for which Raineri is also artistic director.

OQ’s artistic director and song recital series curator Patrick Nolan welcomed the audience and introduced the show. Then the three talented performers entered the space which was lit with regal blues and golds. All appeared very focussed and dedicated to delivering their best work. They opened with a spirited rendition of Franz Shubert’s Ständchen (Serenade), the unique arrangement of which was provided by OQ’s Narelle French. The spirited songbirds gracefully departed the stage leaving the affable Raineri to say a few words of welcome and introduction. He then performed the lively piano solo Gretchen am Spinnrade (Gretchen at the Spinning Wheel). It was very impressive to see his nimble fingers dance over the keys, especially when he had to cross hands in the melody.

Following this Soprano Sarah Crane joined Raineri on stage for Rückert-Lieder (Rückert Songs) by Gustav Mahler. The song cycle included five poetic melodies with lyrics by German Romantic poet Friedrich Rückert. Crane demonstrated great range and power in her vocal work. Then a cycle of 16 songs – Dichterliebe (A Poet’s Love) – by Robert Schumann was presented by Raineri and baritone Shaun Brown. Brown’s dedication to injecting palpable emotion into his work and his rich vocal tone made him a joy to behold. Raineri’s playing was passionate and evocative throughout, providing perfect support for the singers. In the intimate setting of Opera Queensland’s Studio, we really got to appreciate the power of the performers’ skills up close.

Rescheduled due to shutdowns, this recital was meant to be performed mid-year. Yet it was so lovely instead to see it in the lead up to the festive season. What a treat to be transported by such sweeping songs of dreams, love, and fairy tales, performed by such skilled musicians!

Kitty Goodall