On Sunday, April 28, Alex Berget gave their junior recital in Harper Hall at 1 p.m. A junior from the studio of Karen Leigh-Post, Berget is a candidate for the Bachelor of Music in performance and the Bachelor of Arts in business and entrepreneurship. Accompanied by Jonathan Bass on piano, Berget performed a variety of pieces by Richard Strauss, Claude Debussy, Gaetano Donizetti and George Frideric Handel.
Out of the eight songs Berget performed, seven were in languages other than English. The songs felt very classical, but by no means detached. Berget’s countenance was full of joy; they embodied each piece, conveying authentic emotion to the audience. It goes without saying that even though I didn’t understand all of the languages in which they sang, I still gleaned the feeling of each song thanks to Berget’s presentation.
Throughout the recital, Berget spoke about each of their pieces, organizing their performance in sections based on composer and language. When they introduced Debussy’s renowned “Clair de lune,” they noted how although it is often thought of as a piano piece, the vocal version is “just as gorgeous.” This was certainly true; Berget’s voice lived up to their introduction of it.
Berget got to share even more of their vocal talent in Donizetti’s “Prendi, per me sei libero” when they traversed numerous notes with incredible agility and grace. While I’m not sure what the technical term is for what they did, I’m sure there’s got to be one. The prolonged and yet playful notes stayed in my mind long after the recital.
They also spoke about choosing their repertoire with their baby nephew, and how that memory helps to remind them that music does not always have to be taken so seriously. Berget followed this by saying that everyone can enjoy making music. I thought this was a poignant point to make, especially in an intense musical atmosphere such as Lawrence’s conservatory.
There were many more moving moments during the recital, including Berget’s heartfelt thank you to their family, friends, studio and professors. Their passion and gratitude was clear, as was their support from the audience. At one point during an especially emotional moment, a member of the audience shouted “we love you,” something that I have not often heard while attending a conservatory event.
Leaving the performance, I was left with a feeling of appreciation for singing for the joy of it and for connecting with others in the process. I credit this to Berget’s joyful and emotional performance as well as their gratitude for all of the people who have supported them along the way. It reminded me that music is not — or at least should not be — a solitary and emotionless pursuit.
If you are interested watching Berget’s beautiful recital, you can find the livestream online. I highly recommend listening to it,and watching it if you can. It is delightful and inspiring. Keep an eye out for more wonderful student recitals later this term!