Buy/Listen:

Translations and additional information not available in the published liner notes can be found in my DMA Thesis:

Finding A Voice-

As I entered into my doctoral coursework at The University of Iowa, I knew I wanted to write about Mexican music in some capacity. Despite having received a high level of training in vocal diction and vocal repertoire from The Juilliard School and performed with some amazing ensembles, I had yet to encounter music from Mexico, which is where my family was from. For years I had wanted to connect my personal upbringing with my professional training, but had no reference on how. At a pre-admission advising session, my teacher told me about Maya Hoover’s A Guide to the Latin American Art Song Repertoire: An Annotated Catalog of Twentieth-century Art Songs for Voice and Piano. It was through this resource that I started a three year journey that culminated in the recording of this album, and the writing of the document linked above.

The album title carries multiple meanings. First, it represents the voice these composers were trying to find in the decades following a revolution. Finding a “Mexican” voice through their music. Second, it represents presenting this repertoire to an audience who may not be familiar with these composers or their music. And lastly, it represents my own vocal growth that occurred through my study of this music. The music is intensely complex and difficult, often requiring the performer to utilize every tool in their arsenal. It stretched me beyond the limits I had placed on myself, and allowed me to find a voice that I felt was truly mine.

Throughout this process, I have learned so much about Mexican vocal music. While this album focuses on song cycles specifically, I have researched many single songs and sets by composers of this same period. My hope is to eventually secure funding for a second album, which will explore these other facets of Mexican art song, including composers such as Blas Galindo, Maria Teresa Prieto, and Salvador Moreno.

I hope you enjoy this album, and that is piques your interest in this repertoire. If you are a voice teacher or student who wants to know more about this music, including information on where and how to purchase scores, do not hesitate to reach out!