Recital: David Helder '22, Tenor

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | “Fuor del mar” from Idomeneo

Ludwig van Beethoven | An die ferne Geliebte, op. 98

Auf dem Hügel sitz ich spähend
Wo die Berge so blau
Leichte Segler in den Höhen
Diese Wolken in den Höhen
Es kehret der Maien, es blühet die Au
Nimm sie hin denn, diese Lieder

Gabriel Fauré | Poème d’un jour, op. 21

Rencontre
Toujours
Adieu

Charles Ives | from 114 Songs

(Remembrance) “A sound of a distant horn”
Songs My Mother Taught Me
At Sea
Mists
Like a Sick Eagle
Slow March

Florence B. Price | from 44 Art Songs and Spirituals

Out of the South Blew a Wind
An April Day

A “thank you” isn’t sufficient to describe the gratitude I feel when attempting, at such a time, to reflect on the  time of my degree—how is one to say “thank you” in response to one’s life fundamentally having been changed? This, my friends, is my best attempt at achieving simply in text which is simply impossible:
        While writing an autobiography is not the intent of a “thank you” page, it would be helpful in articulating the struggle that it was to get to this place. Those who know me may know some of my history that defines the struggle I mentioned, and to those who don’t, and especially to those who are dealing with the bitterness of life’s pain now, I extend the words that my mother taught me— “this too shall pass.”
        For so long I did not believe that this would be the case— when life would seem to get better, the weight would intensify, and when hope would begin to shine its light, it would quickly plunge itself into darkness; I believed, with intense certainty, that I, myself, and life were not worth fighting for.
        But certain people believed in me when I could not— and did not stop believing until I could, at long last, join them. I feel blessed to say, truthfully, that there are so many that I cannot name them all and be within the confines of this page; but to thank the most immediate supporters, I must extend my gratitude to my family, my friends, both near and far, and the distinguished faculty here at NEC, whose wisdom has granted me a new lens through which to see life and all its hidden meanings— and while I do not wish to discredit any of the many people who’ve led me to this point, I must make special acknowledgements to Tanya Blaich and my dearest mentor, Bradley Williams. They have trusted me enough to listen, even when they couldn’t personally relate; to understand when ignorance is by far easier. Their contributions and belief in me as a human being and as a musician are what you see here tonight, and this recital, which is, in my mind, my first real step in my career as a musician, is only made possible by their generosity of heart— as teachers, and mentors, and as friends.

Thank you Miles, for your commitment to the music that has allowed for the deep sense of ensemble we’ve been able to achieve; you are one of the people who of the people who’ve helped me find the “secret meanings,” and I’m deeply thankful for our work together.

Thank you all who came tonight, or are watching from home— I love you all, and appreciate you dearly.