On Oct. 25, at 7:30 in the evening, at Calvary Baptist Church, a happening occured. A tallk, young man came onto the stage with dignity and poise. Paul Griggsby, one of Hannibal’s own, returned home to present an amazing Song Recital.
Paul was a student of mine during his high school years. Teachers must guard against being partial to students, however when the talent is so obvious it would be pure neglect to not encourage that talent to take wing and fly.
The recital of two hours covered all of the stages of the development of Art Song, beginning with the Bel Canto (beautiful voice) of the Italian School.
The Recitative (in spoken style) “Thus Saith the Lord” and Aria (legato syle) “But Who May Abide the Day of His Coming?” from Handel’s Messiah was presented with a technique of the masters who agree that this is one of the most demanding pieces in all of solo literature.
Two selections from Opera were presented in the same masterful expressions. “The Old Shabby Coat” from La Beheme by Puccini and “I’ve Got and Ram” from The Devil and Daniel Webster by Douglas Moore.
Paul’s selections from the German Lieder (Art Songs) were taken from the pen of Franz Schubert. A variety of very emotional and intense offerings which requires advanced techniques with hours of study.
A Spiritual Journey was the caption for his closing group. The following American songs are self explanatory: “At The River,” “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot,” “Steal Away,” “Go Down, Moses,” “Deep River,” “Wade in the Water,” “Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child,” and “Ride On, King Jesus.”
Following a standing ovation, Paul returned tot he stage to sing the tender version of The Lord’s Prayer by Malotte.
We say, thank you Paul for an evening of inspiration and beauty.
Marie Lewis
AA, BM, MM
For the Couier-Post
