Come Slowly, Eden

Despite abundant challenges presented by the pandemic, recording a set of Jodi Goble/Emily Dickinson songs was a special joy, says soprano Rhoslyn Jones. In collaborating with pianist Matthew Piatt, her friend and colleague for more than 15 years (since they met as Merolini), she recalls: “We were not able to rehearse in the same room together, which is usually such an integral part of performing art song together. We recorded these first on our recording day and I felt like I was missing a limb because he was in a separate room… but as soon as I heard Matt play the first notes it felt like we were both at home.”

Adds Matt, “Art song is such a personal genre, with a heightened emphasis on rubato and individual expression. We are so accustomed to performing within a few feet of each other, which allows us a sense of immediacy and flexibility. It also means that the ability to breathe together (one of the most important aspects of art song performance) took a lot of getting used to. I am very thankful to the engineers involved in capturing this project, as they did their best to help Rhoslyn and me feel as ‘close’ as possible through audio and video technology.” Eventually, the pair hopes to record all six songs in Valentines from Amherst.

“Come Slowly, Eden,” is the second of three Atrium Sessions selections from the song cycle (2016), performed by kind permission of the composer.