by Annie Davis

Baritone Brandon Grimes has returned to Milton in musical triumph. A senior at the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Grimes’s senior recital, originally performed December 9^th at the university, was performed last night at First Parish Church. In the darkened sanctuary illuminated by a single spotlight, Grimes’s tall presence emanated grace and professionalism, passion and delight, as he interpreted a demanding program.  The audience of over 100 friends, family, and members of Milton’s musical and school community were transfixed throughout the 1 1/2 –hour performance.

Entitled “Songs of Water and Love,” the program began with Händel’s “Sibilar gli angui d’Aletto,” which introduced Grimes’s range, depth, and musicality. His qualities and talents were further revealed in the requisite Schubert Lieder, all employing metaphors of water—lake, sea, and river—and displaying also excellent enunciation and diction as well as imparting the emotion of the music and verse.

The influences of Schubert were evident in the contemporary song cycle Nightsongs by H. Leslie Adams, one of the world’s leading African American composers. Drawing on texts by Langston Hughes, James Weldon Johnson, and other African American poets, the tragic and melancholy of the works enabled Grimes’s interpretive skills to shine.

Brandon Grimes is not afraid to tackle big ambitious works, and his delivery of Chausson’s demanding Poeme de l’amour et de la mer (Poem of love and the sea) comprised the entire second half of the program. Grimes fully embraced the somber, tragic, dramatic, powerful expression of profound loss.

A soloist is enhanced by a good accompanist, particularly one who knows the expressive and musical characteristics of the performer. Brandon was accompanied by Virginia Grimes.  Trained as an accompanist, Ms. Grimes is a well-known, highly-regarded Boston musician, who has been described by soloists as the finest of accompanists. Thus, having an accompanist of extreme talent who is also Brandon’s mother, contributed a dimension that was rare and deep. Her rich accompaniment, particularly in the Chausson, never overpowered and always supported the voice.

“Brandon has always been special,” explained Dr. Noreen Diamond Burdett, Milton’s director of fine and performing arts, who directed Grimes in vocal ensembles and performances at Milton High School. He deserved the prolonged standing ovation.

To fully expose oneself, singing alone, is a feat few would dare. Grimes appeared comfortable, happy, content, and his voice filled the sanctuary.  A man of large talent, he joyfully included works from the popular songbook, thus revealing both his talents and his passions.

This perfect evening of music and friends underscores the talents in our community and how Milton’s support for the fine and performing arts enables our young people to find themselves, to flourish, and to enrich our town.  Here’s another reason why our town matters.