![](https://www.cedillerecords.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Detroit-Opera-Valkyries-Leah-Dexter-Photo-Credit-Michelle-Lee-e1708359106692.jpg)
Discover
Artist Spotlight: Leah Dexter on “Terra Nostra”
![](https://www.cedillerecords.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Detroit-Opera-Valkyries-Leah-Dexter-Photo-Credit-Michelle-Lee-e1708359106692.jpg)
![](https://www.cedillerecords.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Detroit-Opera-Valkyries-Leah-Dexter-Photo-Credit-Michelle-Lee-e1708359106692.jpg)
Darkness, the alto aria from Terra Nostra
The aria “Darkness” that Stacy Garrop composed for the mezzo-soprano, was a very personal and moving piece to perform and record, that left me in a completely vulnerable state. It changed me forever. From Lord Byron’s poignant, powerful words, to the affected wailing and whispering of the accompanying female chorus, the piece evokes images of ultimate terror, destruction, desolation and sadness. A dramatic powerhouse of an aria, it was incredibly difficult to bring this piece to life with the images presented and how they relate quite closely to the current state of the world. I am hoping that the listening audience will be moved just as much as I was and feel just how powerful this particular scene is, and also, how tragically beautiful.
Recommended
For her 24th recording for Cedille Records, violinist Rachel Barton Pine joins forces with period instrument specialists David Schrader, John Mark Rozendaal, and Brandon Acker to record Arcangelo Corelli’s seminal set of 12 Violin Sonatas, Op. 5.
In celebration of Silenced — Unsung Voices of the 20th Century, tenor Ian Koziara’s debut recital album, with pianist Bradley Moore, a playlist of Cedille artists’ first mixed-composer (at least 3) recital (not concerto) albums.
Enjoy 25% off Cedille’s Weekly Featured Release.
Cedille is looking for Chicago’s next classical recording artist! Apply today for the Emerging Artist Competition and win the opportunity to release an album on Cedille Records.