So this week I have been a complete fail and haven't been taking outfit photos because school and working at Pavement have made me a recluse exclusive to work and school. I WILL do an outfit post this week in the beautiful blizzard that is now upon us Boston residence yet again. Today, we get 20 inches. The conservatory has decided to close at noon, so I have the rest of the afternoon to drink tea, start a new knitting project, and make cookies with my good friend Leia.
One of the pieces I'm singing this semester is a Schubert lied called "Fruhlingsglaube". I love Schubert art song and this piece has such a beautifully delicate line and an accompaniment that embodies the yearning I feel around this time of year for green grass, blue skies, and an abundance of yellow sunshine. This year in the conservatory is a year full of change. The shine has worn off that was once so bright during the first year, and voices are still too young to take on full roles. It's a time to refine technique and establish yourself as an important part of the conservatory's vocal department. This lied encompasses all that is my second year.
This piece, sung by German mezzo soprano Christa Ludwig is one of my favorite versions. Her sound is so full and warm, but tender and sweet. Simply gorgeous.
Frühlingsglaube (Spring faith)
Text by Johann Ludwig Uhland (1787-1862)
Set by (Jakob Ludwig) Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy (1809-1847), op. 9, # 8; Franz Peter Schubert
(1797-1828), D. 686
The gentle breezes are awakened, they whisper and stir day and night, they create to all ends. (and penetrate everywhere.)
Oh fresh scent, oh new sound! Now, poor heart, be not afraid. Now must it all, all change. The world grows fairer with each day,
one knows not, what still to-come may, (one does not know, what is still to come,) the flowering will not cease;
there blooms the most-distant, deepest valley (the farthest, deepest valley blooms) now, poor heart, forget your torment!
Winter has most certainly arrived in Boston. Pink cheeked pedestrians hurry to get indoors and out of chilling temperatures. Out come hats, and scarves, gloves, and mittens. Piles of shriveled leaves line the icy curbs, clinging to the last of autumn. Night time flurries mock us students waiting anxiously for the first true snowfall.
The winter is my favorite. Not because of the holidays, though they are lovely too, but because of the snow. I grew up in the snow. Maine winters are notoriously frigid. My mother would bundle me up in as many layers she could manage, and scoot me out the front door with strict instructions not to come in until supper was ready. I made snow angels, and snow forts. I made tracks for my sled, and explored our eleven acre property.
Winter isn't as peaceful, graceful, or picturesque in the city. The silvery fluff turns quickly into ugly brown mush littered with old newspapers, to-go cups, and candy bar wrappers. The snow just isn't as glamorous. But, my mother taught me well. Now that the temperature has dropped, I bundle up with some of my favorite garments. I don't know who said that wearing white after labor day was a bad idea. I love combining beige, cream, brown, and black for my winter looks. Recently, I bought a beautiful 60s vintage wool cape that I am completely in love with.
This is my actual cape. It is a one-of-a-kind Etsy treasure from Little Orphan Fannie. Click on this link to visit her Etsy vintage shop! I love these fur ear muffs from Bloomingdale's. They look so cozy, and I need several pairs. I am also currently obsessing over huge cowl neck scarves, like this cable knit one from Topshop. What is your favorite winter accessory?
