Michelle DeFrancesco

Chanson d'Amour, composed by Gabriel Fauré in 1882, is a captivating French art song (mélodie) from his Opus 27. Set to a poem by Armand Silvestre, it beautifully captures the ecstasy of love with lyrics like "Every day I love you more." Fauré's elegant melody, accompanied by flowing piano, blends romantic lyricism with subtle impressionistic harmonies, showcasing his mastery of vocal music. Though imperfect as a live performance can be, I share with humility because of the love of song....

Blute nur, du liebes Herz!, composed by Johann Sebastian Bach in 1727, is a deeply moving soprano aria from his St. Matthew Passion (BWV 244). Sung by the character of Mary, it expresses profound maternal grief and anguish over her child's suffering, with poignant lyrics by Picander drawing from the biblical narrative. Bach's masterful orchestration features a haunting flute obbligato, tender strings, and expressive vocal lines that blend Baroque elegance with emotional intensity. A...

For a large portion of my life, I have sung professional musical theatre, jazz, pop, and big band music. But I wanted to return to my roots in classical singing that began in high school and continued to my first paid position with the Sacramento Opera Company. I have not shared much of my classical singing on social media - it's time.  Presenting J.S. Bach's Oratorio Magnificat in D major, BWV 243 This full version of "Quia Respexit," composed by Bach, is in the reverent key of B minor to...