Recital

This fiery aria is sung by Count Almaviva in Mozart’s Le Nozze di Figaro. Furious at discovering Figaro’s attempts to outwit him, the Count resolves to seek revenge. The piece captures his rage, arrogance, and cunning through rapid, dramatic phrasing and a rich orchestral accompaniment. I had the privilege of performing this role during my third year of my DMA at the University of Utah. Mozart is one of my favorite composers to sing, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed bringing other roles to life, including Guglielmo in Così fan tutte, Papageno in The Magic Flute, and the title character in Don Giovanni.

Also known as “The Song to the Evening Star,” this aria is sung by Wolfram von Eschenbach in Wagner’s Tannhäuser. A moment of tender beauty, it conveys Wolfram’s love and devotion as he bids farewell to the evening star. The lush harmonies exemplify Wagner’s romantic style. I wanted to include some German opera in this recital, and you don’t get more quintessentially German than Wagner. The long, sweeping lines are incredibly fulfilling to sing, and I only wish I had more time in the program to include even more of this glorious repertoire.

Known as the “Toreador Song,” this iconic aria from Bizet’s Carmen is sung by the bold and charismatic bullfighter Escamillo. Its infectious rhythm and powerful melody perfectly capture the thrill and danger of the bullring, making it one of the most recognizable pieces in opera. Escamillo is one of my favorite roles to perform—after all, you can’t get more macho than a bullfighter! He’s a crowd favorite (well, maybe not for José), and unlike the title character, he makes it through the opera unscathed.

The opening song of Vaughan Williams’ Songs of Travel, “The Vagabond,” sets Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem to music, capturing the spirit of wanderlust and independence. The steady, marching rhythm mirrors the journeying life of a vagabond, reinforcing the sense of freedom in the lyrics. This song cycle is a favorite among baritones. While I wanted to include some art song in this recital, I can’t help but wish I could feature even more — from German Lieder and French Mélodies to English, American, and Indonesian art song, all of which I enjoy performing. Unfortunately, a half-hour simply isn’t enough time to showcase the breadth of these rich and diverse repertoires.

As someone who loves Leonard Bernstein’s music, I was torn in narrowing down my song choice to just one of his pieces. From On the Town, the reflective solo sung by Gabey beautifully captures the wonder of a fleeting romantic connection amidst the bustle of New York City. Bernstein’s tender lyrics and sophisticated harmonies, infused with his signature jazz influences, perfectly convey the marvel of newfound love. Although I’ve not yet had the opportunity to perform this role, I would eagerly jump at the chance. The emotional depth and charm of his music resonate deeply with me, and I look forward to exploring more of his works in future performances.

One of the most beloved ballads from South Pacific, this song is a heartfelt expression of love sung by Emile de Becque. Its sweeping melody and romantic lyrics beautifully capture the magic of a life-changing encounter, earning it a lasting place in the musical theater canon. Always a crowd favorite, this song continues to resonate with audiences, evoking powerful emotions every time it is performed.

Javert’s iconic solo in Les Misérables is a powerful pledge to his unyielding sense of duty and belief in divine justice. The soaring melody and dramatic orchestration really highlight his determination, but also the inner conflict he can’t shake. It’s a moment that captures the intensity of Javert’s character, torn between his rigid convictions and the humanity he’s trying to suppress. This song is such a standout in musical theater, packed with emotion and depth.

Sung by Chauvelin in Frank Wildhorn’s The Scarlet Pimpernel, this haunting ballad reflects his deep yearning and regret as he recalls a lost love. The piece’s lush harmonies and sweeping melody make it one of the most poignant moments of the show, capturing the character’s inner turmoil and longing. It’s a beautiful, emotionally charged song that stays with you long after it’s finished. The Scarlet Pimpernel is one of my wife’s and my favorite musicals, and this song is a perfect example of why we love it so much.

This modern country ballad by Garth Brooks is a heartfelt ode to love and devotion. Released during my senior year of high school, I was immediately drawn to its infectious melody and heartfelt sentiment. To me, it feels like a contemporary take on Elizabeth Barrett Browning’s famous sonnet, “How do I love thee? Let me count the ways.” Its sweet, uplifting tune is a perfect anthem for all the romantics out there.