About A Bouquet of Iris & Cornflower Both the Iris and Cornflower are blue, but are of different shades and intensity. The same can be said of the music that originates from countries these flowers represent; equally beautiful but are of different textures and demeanor. Following the recently concluded "Bach in 3 Flavours" workshops and concerts (a collaboration with the Wicked Music People) that kick started VerSeS's Indie-Classical Series, the second installment "A Bouquet of Iris & Cornflower" invites you to join us in an afternoon of choral and vocal music from France and Germany, featuring works from the great composers Bach, Schubert, Schumann, Strauss, FaurĂŠ, Poulenc, Duparc and Debussy.
VerSeS was formed as an a cappella quintet in 2002 with singers from choral groups V-Chorus and The Summer’Singers. The team grew to include instrumental ensemble segments to cater to a growing need for live musicians at events. VerSeS aims to provide variety in choral repertoire to the local community by sharing music that is less commonly performed in Malaysia, in accessible settings. The group now comprises seasoned musicians and other professionals from all walks of life, offering a potpourri of ideas and energies as it continues to pursue its mission of spreading the joys of music and singing to as wide an audience as possible, through concerts, collaborations, and outreach sessions. VerSeS's Indie-Classical Series consists of concerts, workshops, collaborations and outreach programs that aim to bring classical music to the Malaysian audiences in a no-frills and accessible setting. We focus on small inclusive sessions where we communicate the music in a historically informed context and multilingual conversations.
About VerSeS
Wong Wai Quan (Soprano), holds a degree from National Taiwan Normal University majoring in voice and minor in piano. The multitalented Quan has wide experience as vocalist, conductress, accompanist and judge. Quan is an active soloist, especially fond of German Lieder and Italian Art Songs as well A Cappella ensemble singing
Albert Lim (Baritone), is a Year-12 Chemistry educator for the Western Australia Curriculum. When he is not with his students mixing up trouble in the laboratory, he spends his time singing hymns and sacred music, indulging his taste buds as a coffee enthusiast, and cross-cycling country routes on stationary bikes
Chan Wen Li (Mezzo Soprano), a law lecturer by day. She sings, plays the piano and tap-dances. She has appeared in operas, chamber concerts, musical theatre productions, panels of music judges, a cappella gigs and even flash mobs. Wen Li holds a LTCL in Piano Performance, and studies voice with baritone Cha Seng Tiang. She dreams of living that mythical artist’s life, amid an endless supply of coffee
Scholastica Tan (Soprano), took up singing in her twenties under the tutelage of Ms Claris Chin. She serves in a local church as part of the music ministry and enjoys spending her after work hours singing with groups of friends
Scott Woo (Musical Director, Tenor), hails from the Land of the Hornbills and has been an avid ensemble musician since a young age. He enjoys sharing music in no-frills settings and hopes to see music-making and music appreciation become a part of everyday life
Sharlene Rani (Soprano), singing has always brought joy to Sharlene, especially with a group of friends. Although classically trained, she occasionally dabbles with different genres. She is currently under the tutelage of the respected Mr Cha Seng Tiang
Chow Yee Mun (Mezzo Soprano), born and raised in Kuala Lumpur. Yee Mun started singing and performing as a musician from a young age. She joined VerSes in 2007 and has performed with the group on many different occasions. She also sings with The Vochale Project (TVP), all-ladies a cappella vocal ensemble
William Kow (Baritone), charms his audience with his trademark of clarity, warmth and brilliance. Being a classically trained Baritone, talented musical singer and sparkling performer, he’s performed in opera house, concert halls, theatres and even on the street. He enjoys books, pets and is a peace lover. He sees music as the Food of Love
Alphonsus Sim (Tenor, Pianist), a chorister since young, discovered a whole new world in lieders, chansons and arias since taking lessons from Cecilia Yap 6 years ago. He also enjoys accompanying singers and instrumentalists on the piano
Rohan Yung (Tenor, Pianist), is an English tutor. He has a Fellowship in Piano Performance from the London College of Music and loves chamber music and art song
PROGRAM 1
Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden - BWV 230 Composer & Arranger : J.S. Bach Lyricist : Psalm 117
VerSeS Voice Ensemble
2
Jesu, meine Freude - BWV 227 (Selected movements) Composer & Arranger : J.S. Bach Lyricist : Hymns
VerSeS Voice Ensemble
3
An den Mond Composer : Schubert
Soprano : Sharlene Rani Pianist : Alphonsus Sim
4
Selections from Dichterliebe (Op. 48) – Song 1,2,3 Composer : Schumann
Baritone: William Kow Tenor : Scott Woo Pianist : Ro Han Yung
10 En sourdine Composer : Fauré
Soprano : Sharlene Rani Pianist : Alphonsus Sim
5
Selections from Dichterliebe (Op. 48) – Song 10,5,12 Composer : Schumann
Baritone: William Kow Tenor : Scott Woo Pianist : Ro Han Yung
11 Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël: Hodie Christus Natus Est Composer : Poulenc
VerSeS Voice Ensemble
6
Zueignung Composer : Richard Strauss Lyricist : Hermann von Gilm
Soprano : Wong Wai Quan Pianist : Alphonsus Sim
INTERMISSION
7
Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël: O Magnum Mysterium, Quem Vidistis Composer : Poulenc
VerSeS Voice Ensemble
8
Nuit d'Etoiles Composer : Claude Debussy Lyricist : Theodore De Banville
Soprano : Wong Wai Quan Pianist : Alphonsus Sim
9
La vie antérieure Composer : Duparc
Tenor : Alphonsus Sim Pianist : Ro Han Yung
Lyrics 1. Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden - BWV 230
2. Jesu, meine Freude - BWV 227 (con’t)
Lobet den Herrn, alle Heiden, und preiset ihn, alle Völker! Denn seine Gnade und Wahrheit waltet über uns in Ewigkeit. Alleluja!
Chorale/ Mov 7 Weg mit allen Schätzen! Du bist mein Ergӧtzen, Jesu, meine Lust! Weg ihr eitlen Ehren, ich mag euch nights hӧren, bleibt mir unbewusst! Elend, Not Kreuz, Schmach und Tod soll mich, ob ich viel muss leiden, nicht von Jesu Scheiden.
O praise the Lord, all ye nations, praise Him, all ye people! For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endureth for ever. Praise ye the Lord.
2. Jesu, meine Freude - BWV 227 Chorale 1 / Mov 1 Jesu, meine Freude, meines Herzens Weide, Jesu, meine Zier; ach wie lang, ach lange, ist dem Herzen bange und verlangt nach dir! Gottest Lamm, mein Bräutigam, außer dir soll mir auf Erden nichts sonst Liebers werden. Jesus, my joy, my heart's pasture, Jesus, my treasure! Ah, how long, ah long has my heart suffered and longed for you! God's lamb, my bridegroom, besides You on earth nothing shall be dearer to me. Mov 2 Es ist nun nichts, nichts, nichts Verdammliches an denen, die Christo Jesu sind, die nicht nach dem Fleische wandeln, sondern nach dem Geist. Now there is nothing damnable in those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk after the way of the flesh, but after the way of the Spirit
Away with all treasures, you are my delight, Jesus, my joy! Away, you vain honors, I don't want to listen to you, remain unknown to me! Misery, want, torture, shame and death shall, although I must suffer much, never part me from Jesus Mov 9 Gute Nacht, o Wesen, Das die Welt erlesen! Mir gefällst du nicht. Gute Nacht, ihr Sünden, Bleibet weit dahinten, Kommt nicht mehr ans Licht! Gute Nacht, du Stolz und Pracht! Dir sei ganz, du Lasterleben, Gute Nacht gegeben! Good night, existence that cherishes the world! You do not please me. Good night, sins, stay far away, never again come to light! Good night, pride and glory! To you utterly, life of corruption, be good night given!
Chorale/Mov 11 Weicht, ihr Trauergeister, denn mein Freudenmeister, Jesus, tritt herein. Denen, die Gott lieben, muss auch ihr Betrüben lauter Zucker sein. Duld ich schon hier Spott und Hohn, dennoch bleibst du auch im Leide, Jesu, meine Freude. Hence, you spirits of sadness, for my Master of joy, Jesus, comes here. For those who love God, even their troubles must be pure sugar. Though I endure mockery and shame here already, nevertheless you stay with me even in sorrow, Jesus, my joy
Lyrics 3. An den Mond Poem by Ludwig Hölty Geuß, lieber Mond, geuß deine Silberflimmer Durch dieses Buchengrün, Wo Fantasien und Traumgestalten immer Vor mir vorüberfliehn!
Pour, dear moon, pour your silver glitter down through the greenery of beeches, where phantasms and dream-shapes are always floating before me!
Enthülle dich, daß ich die Stätte finde, Wo oft mein Mädchen saß, Und oft, im Wehn des Buchbaums und der Linde, Der goldnen Stadt vergaß!
Reveal yourself, that I may find the place where my darling often sat, and often forgot, in the wind of beech and linden trees, the golden city.
Enthülle dich, daß ich des Strauchs mich freue, Der Kühlung ihr gerauscht, Und einen Kranz auf jeden Anger streue, Wo sie den Bach belauscht!
Reveal yourself, that I may enjoy the bushes which swept coolness to her, and that I may lay a wreath upon that pasture where she listened to the brook.
Dann, lieber Mond, dann nimm den Schleier wieder, Und traur' um deinen Freund, Und weine durch den Wolkenflor hernieder, Wie dein Verlaßner weint!
Then, dear moon, then take up your veil again, and mourn your friend, and weep through the clouds as one abandoned weeps!
Lyrics 4. Selections from Dichterliebe (Op. 48) – Song 1,2,3 Song 1 Im wunderschönen Monat Mai, als alle Knospen sprangen, da ist in meinem Herzen die Liebe aufgegangen.
Song 2 Aus meinen Tränen sprießen viel blühende Blumen hervor, und meine Seufzer werden ein Nachtigallenchor,
Song 3 Die Rose, die Lilie, die Taube, die Sonne, die liebt' ich einst alle in Liebeswonne. Ich lieb' sie nicht mehr, ich liebe alleine die Kleine, die Feine, die Reine, die Eine;
Im wunderschönen Monat Mai, als alle Vögel sangen, da hab' ich ihr gestanden mein Sehnen und Verlangen.
und wenn du mich lieb hast, Kindchen, schenk' ich dir die Blumen all', und vor deinem Fenster soll klingen das Lied der Nachtigall.
sie selber, aller Liebe Wonne, ist Rose und Lilie und Taube und Sonne, ich liebe alleine die Kleine, die Feine, die Reine, die Eine, die Eine!
In the wonderfully fair month of May, as all the flower-buds burst, then in my heart love arose. In the wonderfully fair month of May, as all the birds were singing, then I confessed to her my yearning and longing.
From my tears spring many blooming flowers forth, and my sighs become a nightingale choir, and if you have love for me, child, I'll give you all the flowers, and before your window shall sound the song of the nightingale
The rose, the lily, the dove, the sun, I loved them all once in love's bliss. I love them no more, I love only The Small, the Fine, the Pure the One; I love only them. She herself, the source of all love, IS the rose, lily, dove, and sun I love only that which is small, Fine, Pure, the One, the ONE!
Lyrics 5. Selections from Dichterliebe (Op. 48) – Song 10,5,12 Song 10 Hör' ich das Liedchen klingen, das einst die Liebste sang, so will mir die Brust zerspringen von wildem Schmerzendrang.
Song 5 Ich will meine Seele tauchen in den Kelch der Lilie hinein; die Lilie soll klingend hauchen ein Lied von der Liebsten mein.
Song 12 Am leuchtenden Sommermorgen geh' ich im Garten herum. Es flüstern und sprechen die Blumen, ich aber wandle stumm.
Es treibt mich ein dunkles Sehnen hinauf zur Waldeshöh', dort lös't sich auf in Tränen mein übergroßes Weh'.
Das Lied soll schauern und beben, wie der Kuß von ihrem Mund', den sie mir einst gegeben in wunderbar süßer Stund'!
Es flüstern und sprechen die Blumen, und schau'n mitleidig mich an: Sei uns'rer Schwester nicht böse, du trauriger, blasser Mann.
I hear the little song sounding that my beloved once sang, and my heart wants to shatter from savage pain's pressure.
I want to plunge my soul into the chalice of the lily; the lily shall resoundingly exhale a song of my beloved.
On a shining summer morning I go about in the garden. The flowers are whispering and speaking, I however wander silently.
I am driven by a dark longing up to the wooded heights, there is dissolved in tears my supremely great pain.
The song shall quiver and tremble, like the kiss from her mouth, that she once gave me in a wonderfully sweet hour
The flowers are whispering and speaking, and look sympathetically at me: Do not be angry with our sister, you sad, pale man.
Lyrics 6. Zueignung Ja, du weißt es, teure Seele, Daß ich fern von dir mich quäle, Liebe macht die Herzen krank, Habe Dank. Einst hielt ich, der Freiheit Zecher, Hoch den Amethysten-Becher, Und du segnetest den Trank, Habe Dank. Und beschworst darin die Bösen, Bis ich, was ich nie gewesen, heilig, heilig an's Herz dir sank, Habe Dank. Ah, thou know it, dearest soul, In thine absence, how I languish Love brings sorrow to the heart! Thanks, sweet heart! Once, when merry songs were ringing I to liberty was drinking, Thou a blessing did impart. Thanks, sweet heart! Thou did lay the wanton spirits Comfort peace my soul inherits, Joy and bliss shall thy love impart. Thanks, sweet heart!
7. Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël: O Magnum Mysterium, Quem Vidistis Motet 1 O magnum mysterium et admirabile sacramentum ut animalia viderent Dominum natum jacentem in praesepio. Beata Virgo cujus viscera meruerunt portare Dominum Christum. O great mystery, and wonderful sacrament, that animals should see the new-born Lord, lying in a manger! Blessed is the Virgin whose womb was worthy to bear the Lord, Jesus Christ. Motet 2 Quem vidistis pastores dicite: Annuntiate nobis in terris quis apparuit: Natum vidimus, et choros angelorum collaudantes Dominum. Dicite quidnam vidistis, et annuntiate Christi nativitatem Whom did you see, shepherds, say, tell us: who has appeared on earth? the new-born we saw and choirs of angels praising the Lord, Say, what did you see? And tell us of Christ's nativity
8. Nuit d'Etoiles Nuit d'étoiles, Sous tes voiles, Sous ta brise et tes parfums, Triste lyre Qui soupire, Je rêve aux amours défunts.
Night of stars, beneath your veils, beneath your breeze and your perfumes, sad lyre which is sighing, I dream of bygone loves.
La seriene Mélancolie Vient éclore au fond de mon cœur, Et j'entends l'âme de ma mie Tressallir dans le bois rêveur.
Serene Melancholy comes to blooms in the depths of my heart, and I hear the soul of my beloved quiver in the dreaming wood.
Nuit d'étoiles, Sous tes voiles, Sous ta brise et tes parfums, Triste lyre Qui soupire, Je rêve aux amours défunts.
Night of stars, beneath your veils, beneath your breeze and your perfumes, sad lyre which is sighing, I dream of bygone loves.
Je revois à notre fontaine Tes regards bleus comme les cieux; Cette rose, c'est ton haleine, Et ces étoiles sont tes yeux.
At our fountain I see again your gazes, blue as the heavens; this rose is your breath, and these stars are your eyes.
Nuit d'étoiles, Sous tes voiles, Sous ta brise et tes parfums, Triste lyre Qui soupire, Je rêve aux amours défunts
Night of stars, beneath your veils, beneath your breeze and your perfumes, sad lyre which is sighing, I dream of bygone loves.
Lyrics 9. La vie antérieure
10. En sourdine Poem by Paul Veraine
'J'ai longtemps habité sous de vastes portiques Que les soleils marins teignaient de mille feux, Et que leurs grands piliers, droits et majestueux, Rendaient pareils, le soir, aux grottes basaltiques.
Long did I live beneath vast porticoes which the sea tinted with a thousand fires by the sun and which their great, tall and majestic pillars made them, at evening, resemble the basaltic caves.
Les houles, en roulant les images des cieux, Mêlaient d'une façon solennelle et mystique Les tout-puissants accords de leur riche musique Aux couleurs du couchant reflété par mes yeux.
The waves, while rolling the reflections of the skies, mixed, in a solemn and mystical way, the all-powerful harmonies of their rich music into the colours of the sunset reflected by my eyes.
C'est là que j'ai vécu dans les voluptés calmes, Au milieu de l'azur, des vagues, des splendeurs Et des esclaves nus, tout imprégnés d'odeurs,
It is there that I lived among the peaceful pleasures, in the middle of the azure, the waves, the splendours and the naked slaves, saturated in scents,
Qui me rafraîchissaient le front avec des palmes, Et dont l'unique soin était d'approfondir Le secret douloureux qui me faisait languir.
who cooled my brow with palm leaves, and whose only care was to deapen the painful secret which was making me languish.
Calmes dans le demi-jour Que les branches hautes font, Pénétrons bien notre amour De ce silence profond.
Calm in the twilight Cast by loft boughs, Let us steep our love In this deep quiet.
Mêlons nos âmes, nos cœurs Et nos sens extasiés, Parmi les vagues langueurs Des pins et des arbousiers.
Let us mingle our souls, our hearts And our enraptured senses With the hazy languor Of arbutus and pine.
Ferme tes yeux à demi, Croise tes bras sur ton sein, Et de ton cœur endormi Chasse à jamais tout dessein. Laissons-nous persuader Au souffle berceur et doux Qui vient, à tes pieds, rider Les ondes des gazons roux. Et quand, solennel, le soir Des chênes noirs tombera Voix de notre désespoir, Le rossignol chantera.
Half-close your eyes, Fold your arms across your breast, And from your heart now lulled to rest Banish forever all intent. Let us both succumb To the gentle and lulling breeze That comes to ruffle at your feet The waves of russet grass. And when, solemnly, evening Falls from the black oaks, That voice of our despair, The nightingale shall sing. (Richard Stokes from A French Song Companion, 2000)
11. Quatre motets pour le temps de Noël: Hodie Christus Natus Est Motet 4 Hodie Christus natus est: Hodie Salvator apparuit: Hodie in terra canunt Angeli, laetantur Archangeli Hodie exsultant justi, dicentes: Gloria in excelsis Deo. Alleluia. Today Christ is born: Today the Savior appeared: Today on Earth the Angels sing, Archangels rejoice: Today the righteous rejoice, saying: Glory to God in the highest. Alleluia.