CAMBRIDGE, MA
OCTOBER 15, 2004
ST. PETER PARISH CHURCH
Anthony Kearns sang his only solo concert in the northeast, on Friday night, at St. Peter Parish, in Cambridge, MA, and it was one of his finest. His voice, while remaining a lyric tenor voice, has gained some heft to it, and his high notes ring out brilliantly, while the tender lyricism he displays in songs like "In the Gloaming", "Meeting of the Waters", or "As I Sit Here", remains intact.
The evening began with a speech by Cambridge Mayor, Michael Sullivan,
during which he read a proclamation making October 15 "Anthony Kearns Day",in the city of Cambridge. Later, at the reception, Anthony got the key to the city. After a few obligatory remarks by some of the people involved with the concert, Anthony and Patrick walked out to a huge burst of applause. This was an audience ready to love them. And they did not disappoint.
Once again, Anthony began with a pensive "The Old House", and his singing of the final words.."....'tis time I passed on" conveyed the sadness of the singer at how much life has changed, and the old folks have wandered or died. It was very moving. As in many of his other concerts, it seems as if the audience loves to hear Anthony sing operatic arias, and this night was no different. His first aria-"La Donna e Mobile" was tossed off with great panache, and those ringing high notes he owns. Both the cadenza which preceded it, and the final high B were spectacular, and the applause was thunderous. Actually, Anthony sang 3 arias at this concert. A bonanza! He sang "Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss", from the operetta Paganini, by Franz Lehar, and to paraphrase the English words "....it was jolly, folly....and fun." Operetta suits Anthony's voice so well, as Patrick has said, and this is one of the best examples of how good he is. The third aria came after the interval. More about that. Anthony also sang a magnificent "She is Far From the Land", which I haven't heard him do since the Belfast video. This was even better than on the video, because Anthony's voice was more expansive, and richer. Of course, no concert would be complete without some Mario Lanza, and this concert was no exception. "With a Song in My Heart" was absolutely wonderful, and "Because You're Mine" was sumptuously sung. It was during this song that Anthony did something incredibly kind and generous. During the piano interlude between verses, he turned toward Patrick, and said, "my orchestra." Patrick smiled, and the audience applauded. It was a very generous, sweet thing to do. There were other wonderful moments during the evening, such as "We'll Gather Lilacs", with the lyrical singing voice of Anthony, and Patrick's dulcet speaking voice, the rollicking duet "Friendship", which Patrick wrote, and a beautiful "Danny Boy". Anthony said they'd lock the door and not let them out if they didn't sing it! The third aria was a surprise, with no preface or introduction. But as soon as the first notes left the piano, I realized the audience was in for a very special treat. Anthony sang the most exquisite "Una Furtiva Lagrima" I've ever heard him sing. The whole piece was magnificent-from its soft, legato lines to its impassioned "t'amo! Si t'amo..." It was a wonder. And it drew the loudest applause, and a standing ovation. As an encore, Anthony sang a marvelous "Granada", with Patrick, as usual, playing the very difficult accompaniment, without sheet music. As for Patrick Healy, there is either a little or a lot to say about him. Either a lot, because we love him, and he does songs like "And Her Mother Came, Too" by Ivor Novello so well, with his deadpan delivery, and crisp enunciation, or a little.......because he is simply the best! A superb musician, supportive accompanist, perfect partner to Anthony. Take your choice.
I've said it before, but I'll repeat it. Together, Anthony Kearns and Patrick Healy are not just two great musicians standing onstage, one singing, the other partnering him on the piano. Together, they join to craft a very special gift, which they give over and over.....to all of us.
Berta Calechman