Frederica von Stade
This week's Classical Californian is Frederica von Stade ('Flicka' to her friends and fans). She's performed on opera stages and concert halls for five decades, working with many of the world's greatest singers and conductors. More recently, she's been focusing on being a mentor and friend to the next generation of singers, and supporting efforts to give young people musical training. She's got a playlist inspired by her daughters and career, including works by Mahler, Debussy, Joseph Turrin, and her dear friend Jake Heggie.
Carol Hall: "Jenny Rebecca" – Barbara Streisand
Jake Heggie: “A Route to the Sky” – Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano; Jake Heggie, piano
Jake Heggie: “La Petite Chatelaine” from Into the Fire – Joyce DiDonato, mezzo-soprano; Alexander String Quartet
Gustav Mahler: Symphony No. 4, mvt. 4 (“Wir geniessen die Himmlischen Freuden”) – Vienna Philharmonic, Claudio Abbado; Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano
Claude Debussy: The Tower Scene from Pelleas et Melisande – Berlin Philharmonic, Herbert von Karajan; Richard Stillwell, baritone; Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: “Pa-pa-pa…” duet (excerpt) with two singers from the Young Musicians Choral Orchestra, baritone Ryan Pham and soprano Christabel Nunoo
Joseph Turrin: “Perhaps” from And Crimson Roses Once Again Be Fair – Musica Viva NY Orchestra, Alejandro Hernandez-Valdez; Frederica von Stade, mezzo-soprano
