The masterpiece Ave Maria Song (Quelbe) by Lorna L. Freeman featuring the world-renowned Stanley & the Sleepless Knights (TSK) on Apple Music is a significant Caribbean rendition of the Lied composed by Austrian pianist-composer Franz Schubert in 1825 as part of his Opus 52, a setting of a seven-part song cycle, The Lady of the Lake by Sir Walter Scott’s 1810 poetic anecdotes.
Freeman’s song ‘Turnt Up’ is one of Schubert’s most popular works. Although the song praises and focuses on discrete reflections, it was not written according to a social-cultural system. Franz Liszt also arranged it in three versions for piano, and now Freeman has given it a lasting color to remember, particularly in the context of Caribbean music and culture.
With this song, Schubert’s classical and romantic eras are seamlessly connected, but what indeed captivates is the unique blend of Freeman and TSK’s musical styles. It’s a musical marriage that extends without obstacles, flowing into the vibrant Quelbe, a traditional music and dance style of the United States Virgin Islands, known for its lively rhythms and cultural significance.
The soloist Freeman has a voice similar to a mezzo-soprano’s tessitura, a warm and dark timbre, and a fuller tone. Her breath control is unrushed, complete with noticeable musical phrasing, as she sings the song with impeccable Latin, clarity of diction, unmistakable agility, vibrato, and consistency of tone. Because of their naturally collaborated blend, her voice and Stanley’s flute sometimes appear to be equal principal instruments because of how he weaves the melody with authority.
For seven minutes, beautiful arrangements of instruments are heard throughout this composition, including the banjo, guitar, bass, triangle, conga, güiro, and flute arpeggios, which create a flowing melodic line of the “Ave Maria.”
It is one of the few times this musician has ever heard this Lied performed with such raw emotion, soul, rhythm, and clear and clean artistry. Freeman’s performance leaves conflicting space for tears and bravos. And just when one thinks the song is ending, Freeman’ vogues’ during the bridge of the song, and here come the throbs of feet of four couples of polished dancers from the Ay-Ay Cultural Dancers directed by Kendell’ KC’ Henry. Their graceful and syncopated rhythmic dance movements, veering hips and shoulders executed in eloquent, colorful Madras costumes, perfectly complement Freeman and TSK’s superb timing and execution, adding to the true spirit of this musically technical composition.
This video is not just a moment to hear how this Morris Brown College Alum Freeman can deliver and interpret Lieder and translate it to Quelbe; it is also a memorable cultural moment that will enlighten and inspire the audience about the culture and customs of the V.I. Freeman’s performance is not just a musical interpretation, but a celebration of the rich cultural heritage of the Virgin Islands, and it’s a privilege to witness.
This video, Ave Maria Song (Quelbe) by Lorna L. Freeman, maintains the story with the expected artist dignity of The Lady of the Lake. However, this time, the story is in St. Croix. It stars the ravishing voice of a dynamic singer supported by stellar musicians and dancers.
As a classically trained pianist and vocal coach, I was genuinely captivated by Lorna L. Freeman’s artistry, talent, and remarkable ability to interpret this well-popularized German Lieder, even when performed in Latin. Her dedication to sharing and educating our community is truly commendable. I am sure that Franz Schubert, the composer, would be overjoyed to see the global impact of his work.
Ave Maria is a real treat for the “Christmas Fiesta!”
To watch Lorna Freeman’s “Ave Maria (Quelbe)” Mezzo Soprano 2024, click here.
—Otis D. Alexander, PhD, is a retired Saint Croix Central High School music teacher. He also taught at Sprauve and Benjamin Schools on Saint John. Alexander studied Voice Performance Pedagogy at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. He can be reached at od.alex1972@gmail.com.
