Vocal Music: Easter Playlist
Hildegard of Bingen
In celebration of Easter, Classical Post has curated an Easter playlist of vocal music.
The bookends of the playlist are two works by Saint Hildegard of Bingen, O quam mirabilis est (How wonderful it is) and O clarissima mater (O luminous Mother). Saint Hildegard (1098-1179) was an abbess, artist, author, composer, mystic, pharmacist, poet, preacher, and theologian. Her visions caused her to see many things, including seeing humans as living sparks of God’s love. Scholars today argue that, “Hildegard was ‘resurrected’ in the late 20th century by feminists, New Age gurus and musicians inspired by her writings, musical compositions and acts of independence.” (Northwestern University)
There are three versions of De Profundis (Out of the Deep) in the playlist: the second track, in the middle, and the second to last track. The first iteration of De Profundis is Arvo Pärt’s 1980 choral setting of Psalm 130 in Latin. The second to last track is Frederic Rzewski’s 1992 De Profundis, which is based on Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis.
Bach’s St. John Passion, which is the older of the surviving Passions, is a staple of the playlist. This article in The Guardian from 2017, A Passion for Bach: why the St John belongs on the live stage at Easter, is especially relevant at this moment as it discusses the resurrection of Bach’s music after his death. Another crucial point it raises is that Bach only heard his St. John Passion four times during his lifetime, “each time kissing it as it flew” (The Guardian). How can we as listeners actively listen when we have an unlimited access to recordings? How does our current situation emphasize the differences between the live concert experience and recordings? Once the live concert experience is resurrected, will we treasure it as Bach treasured his limited live performances?
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Composer Sean Shepherd shares his journey from Reno to international commissions with leading orchestras, highlighting the role of mentorship, friendship, and collaboration in shaping his music. He discusses works like Lattice Work, Quadruple Concerto, and Sprout, offering insights into his creative process, influences, and belief in music as a living, collaborative art.
Pianist Tanya Gabrielian shares her uncompromising approach to music-making—balancing radical authenticity, intellectual depth, and a mission to revive forgotten works. From Alexander Siloti’s overlooked editions to transformative audience encounters, discover how Gabrielian redefines success in the classical world.
Discover the story of the Leonkoro Quartet—Berlin’s rising chamber ensemble making waves across Europe and North America. In this Classical Post podcast, they share how a viral YouTube video launched their career, the impact of mentorship from legendary quartets, highlights from their North American debut tour, and the creative spark behind their upcoming Alpha Classics album. A conversation about friendship, artistry, and building something that lasts.
Discover the story of baritone Konstantin Krimmel, from his early days in a German boys’ choir to international acclaim at venues like the Bavarian State Opera, Wigmore Hall, Schubertiade, and his U.S. debut. In this Classical Post podcast, Krimmel shares how competitions, repertoire choices, and his passion for storytelling through song have shaped his career.
The name Rimsky-Korsakov is enshrined in the canon of Russian music, yet until now, one remarkable branch of that musical lineage remained nearly forgotten. With the release of YULIYA: Forgotten Songs of Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov on Azica Records, soprano Sarah Moulton Faux and pianist-composer Konstantin Soukhovetski revive the voice of Julia Weissberg Rimsky-Korsakov (1878–1942)—Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov’s daughter-in-law, a brilliant Jewish composer whose legacy was buried by antisemitism, war, and time.
Harpist Ashley Jackson’s Take Me to the Water redefines classical music with a spiritual, cross-cultural journey through works by Alice Coltrane, Debussy, and Margaret Bonds. Blending sacred traditions and global lineages, her album is a powerful meditation on unity, beauty, and reflection.
Mezzo-soprano Devony Smith and pianist Danny Zelibor reimagine American art song in In This Short Life—a powerful debut album of contemporary works by diverse composers like Higdon, Lang, Boykin, and Liverman. Out June 13, it’s a bold celebration of collaboration, resilience, and genre-defying artistry.
Explore how the Takács Quartet bridges generations through music—pairing Florence Price and Dvořák, collaborating with Marc-André Hamelin, and championing new voices like Clarice Assad and Jordan Bak. Rooted in tradition, they continue to innovate from their home in Boulder, Colorado.
Discover the remarkable journey of Sir Stephen Hough—from early acclaim and Grammy-winning performances to composing during the pandemic. Explore how this celebrated pianist, writer, and composer continues to evolve with curiosity, craftsmanship, and courage in the world of classical music.
Explore flutist Demarre McGill’s path from rising talent to principal roles, Avery Fisher Career Grant winner, mentor of talent, and champion of new music.
Discover violinist Bella Hristova’s journey from Bulgaria to Carnegie Hall, her Lineage project, and her impact on solo violin repertoire and new music.
Discover pianist Kate Liu’s remarkable rise from Chopin International Competition laureate to globe‑trotting soloist. Explore her new Orchid Classics release pairing Beethoven’s transcendent Sonata Op. 110 with Brahms’s youthful yet monumental Sonata No. 3, plus upcoming concerto dates in Zagreb, Ann Arbor and Warsaw.
Explore how composer Sebastian Currier fuses classical roots, bold collaborations, and new technologies to redefine contemporary music’s possibilities.
Discover how Norwegian cellist Sandra Lied Haga evolved from child prodigy to global star, performing iconic concertos and forging a bold classical legacy
Discover how violinist Maria Dueñas merges virtuosic technique and deep expression—from competition triumphs to her bold new Paganini Caprices album.
Explore how baritone Will Liverman merges gospel roots, bold operatic performances, and groundbreaking projects like ‘The Factotum’ to shape opera’s future.
Discover Simone Dinnerstein’s path from self-produced Bach recordings to innovative collaborations, redefining classical piano performance on her own terms
Discover how conductor Kellen Gray merges his Southern roots, global artistry, and African diaspora composers to reshape classical music for modern audiences
Editor at Classical Post since 2020, Anna Heflin has taken the platform to the next level making it a premiere destination for insightful interviews.