Colour and Coloratura: How Melismatic Roles Changed Audiences
Eyra Norman, soprano and Abhisri Chaudhuri, piano
Have you ever wondered why a single musical phrase can stir such deep emotions—why an aria or song can bring joy to your heart or tears to your eyes? Sometimes, a simple melody, even just the sound of a single sustained “ah,” can evoke an overwhelming response.
This lecture recital will invite you to discover the soaring birdsong of composers like Offenbach and Messiaen, the heartbreak of Purcell and Mozart and even what true euphoria can feel like with composers like Bellini and Milhaud.
If you’re curious about how melismas, coloratura, and harmony shape these powerful moments, join Eyra and explore the history and art behind them. Discover a new way of listening—one that reveals the depth and nuance of vocal expression.