Joyce DiDonato Sings Camille Claudel: Into the Fire. Part 1. Rodin

Following a discussion with composer Jake Heggie and Camille Claudel curator Emerson Bowyer, Grammy Award-winning mezzo-soprano Joyce DiDonato performs Heggie’s 35-minute song cycle Camille Claudel: Into the Fire with the Brentano Quartet.
Into the Fire dives deep into the romantic, rebellious world of artist Camille Claudel, transforming her powerfully emotive sculptures and tragic life into music.
Music - Jake Heggie, Texts - Gene Scheer
Art Institute of Chicago. January 6, 2024
Part 1. Rodin
Last night, I went to sleep completely naked.
I pretended you were holding me,
But I woke alone again
Everything burned away
In the cruel morning light.
Was I dreaming that you loved me
Though you left me far behind?
Someone's there,
Hidden in the shadows.
You don't want me to see,
you don't want me to find.
In the clay, I search with fingers
To uncover something true -
Rodin! Rodin!
Was there ever a time
you wanted me to find you?
There's a secret I have traced
in your eyes, your brow, your hair.
Others think they see you
But, we both know, you're not there.
In the clay, I search with my fingers,
To uncover something true
Rodin! Rodin!
Was there ever a time
you wanted me to find you?
Rodin?
Rodin?