Rita Shane chants to High E in mystical modern music

Hovhaness: REVELATIONS OF SAINT PAUL (World premiere), Two arias, New York 1981 THE SONGBIRD: Rita Shane (1936 - 2014) was an American dramatic coloratura from the Bronx. She sang primarily in the United States with many appearances at the New York City Opera (1965 debut as Donna Elvira) and eight seasons at The Met (1973 debut as Queen of the Night). She actually started there as a secretary with the Metropolitan National Council’s fundraising department in the 1960s. Shane made international guest appearances in many top opera cities and festivals. She studied with legendary teacher Beverley Peck Johnson. THE MUSIC: Alan Hovhaness (1911 - 2000) was one of the most prolific composers of the 20th century, with an official catalog of 67 symphonies and 434 opus numbers. And keep in mind he twice burned hundreds of his early compositions, which are not included in that count. Hovhaness's work drew on a wide variety of eclectic music traditions from around the world, though his compositional style tended to be fairly minimalist with a mystical ambiance. The sacred cantata "Revelations of Saint Paul," scored for chorus, orchestra and three soloists (soprano, tenor, baritone) was commissioned by Musica Sacra and premiered in New York City in 1981. Rita Shane sings two short arias with a high tessitura. Hovhaness' sixth wife was a coloratura soprano, Hinako Fujihara (1932 - 2022). She served as his muse, so his writing for soprano at this time was done with her in mind. COPYRIGHT: This video is presented for educational and cultural purposes and is not being monetized by me. If you have a copyright claim, please contact me directly at the email on the "About" tab of my YT channel.