RASHIDA'S Repetoire
Summertime
Porgy and Bess: George Gershwin
A timeless aria composed by George Gershwin, featuring lyrics by DuBose Heyward. This iconic piece opens the opera, sung by Clara as a lullaby to her baby, capturing the essence of a warm Charleston summer. The melody, characterized by its simple yet evocative use of the pentatonic scale, blends elements of jazz and African American folk music, making it a favorite among performers across genres. With its themes of tranquility and maternal love, "Summertime" has transcended its operatic roots to become a beloved jazz standard, recorded by countless artists, including Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. This song showcases Rashida's ability to convey deep emotion and connect with audiences, making it a standout selection in her repertoire.
Chason D'Amour
Art Song: Gabriel Faure
a captivating French art song that showcases the composer's mastery of melody and harmony. Composed in 1882, this piece is set to a passionate poem by Armand Silvestre, expressing ardent love and devotion. The song's flowing piano accompaniment and lyrical vocal line create a sense of intimacy and warmth, perfectly capturing the essence of romantic French mélodie. With its delicate phrasing and expressive dynamics, "Chanson d'amour" allows Rashida to demonstrate her vocal control, emotional depth, and linguistic versatility. This beloved work from Fauré's repertoire offers audiences a glimpse into the refined world of late 19th-century French art song.
Bel Piacere
Agrippina: George Frideric Handel
a delightful aria from George Frideric Handel's opera "Agrippina," composed in 1709. This piece, sung by the character Poppea in Act 3, showcases Handel's mastery of the Baroque style. The aria's lively melody and playful rhythms express the joy of faithful love, with lyrics that celebrate the pleasure of a true heart. Originally written for a soprano with a wide vocal range and virtuosic technique, "Bel Piacere" allows Rashida to demonstrate her vocal agility and expressive capabilities. This charming piece, with its intricate ornamentation and vibrant energy, offers audiences a taste of Handel's operatic brilliance and Rashida's ability to bring Baroque music to life.
Elle a Fui, la Tourterelle
The Tales of Hoffman: Jaques Offenbach
"Elle a fui, la tourterelle" (The dove has flown) is a poignant aria from Jacques Offenbach's opera "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" (The Tales of Hoffmann). This melancholic piece, also known as "The Doll Song," is sung by the character Antonia in Act III of the opera. The aria showcases Offenbach's ability to blend lyrical beauty with dramatic intensity, as Antonia laments the loss of her mother and her own fading health. With its delicate melody and emotional depth, this piece allows Rashida to demonstrate her vocal control, expressive range, and ability to convey complex emotions through song. The aria's challenging coloratura passages and sustained high notes provide ample opportunity for Rashida to showcase her technical prowess and interpretative skills, making it a captivating addition to her repertoire.
Sorry Her Lot
HMS Pinafore: Arthur Sullivan
This piece is sung by the character Josephine in Act I as she laments her conflicted feelings between duty and love. The song's gentle melody and expressive lyrics beautifully capture the internal struggle of a young woman torn between societal expectations and her heart's desires. With its blend of operatic tradition and light opera style, "Sorry Her Lot" allows Rashida to showcase her vocal control, emotional depth, and ability to convey complex character motivations. This piece demonstrates Rashida's versatility in performing both classical and more accessible operatic repertoire, making it a captivating addition to her performances.