You sing with a remarkably rich lyrical tone. Your delivery is fluid yet focused. "Grass" came across beautifully, one of my favourite interpretations I've heard thus far. Your rhythmic exactitude in "Soft Rains", along with Nicole's sparkling accompaniment, was spectacular. You rendered "Red Moon" with the necessary profound sentiment. I enjoyed hearing your fresh take on all the songs.
Robert Rival, April 13, 2009
I enjoyed hearing your interpretations of the Sea Psalms and thought they were spot on.
Frederick Frahm, April 26, 2009
… I can't recall when I've had a better first performance.
Paul A. Epstein, April 17, 2007
I'm delighted that Mr. Wiest gave the first performance of this work. His voice sounds wonderful and his work shows diligence and a level of musicianship that is rare anywhere in the world.
Rodney Waschka II
Your voice is compelling; as I expected you deliver my songs in a way perfectly suited to one with classical training. In a way, programming my material in the midst of craggily modern art songs (which I enjoy) was a daring act. I wonder if the audience was jolted or bemused to suddenly hear something recognizably on the sophisticated pop side of things. Well, good for you. My appreciation to the pianist & your singing partners as well.
Dennis Livingston, August 27, 2005
Bravo! You certainly captured the spirit, shape, and intensity of all three songs(Songs of Life Passing). And your pianist collaborator did a beautiful job
Dana Wilson, July 11, 2005
I have just finished listening to the recordings from your July 10th concert. What a fantastic performance! You and your pianist presented the cycle so well, and with such great attention to detail. I am deeply appreciative that you chose to include Pax Americana in your program, and I am thankful for the emotion and intensity of your performance. I hope your audience was equally appreciative.
Randolph L. Partain, July 12, 2005
Many, many thanx for a really evocative performance of New Mexico on Monday night. We all enjoyed ourselves and had a great time. Thank you for all the care and attention that the three of you lavished on the piece - it really showed.
Martin Read, November 11, 2003
The Cd(Foreign Impressions) is excellent: you sound great and I am struck by the excellence of the diction, your tone and interpretation. Performing with just a double bass could be problematic rhythmically and for ensemble but there was great stability of rhythm and yet the kind of flexibility that is expressive. The integration of instrument and voice appeared to be fine throughout. Herr Schmid sounds rhythmically most reliable and solid plus he has a very good tone and effective changes in articulation and accents. I was entirely pleased.
Armand Russell, December 2, 2003
Wow! What an extraordinary program(Another Five)! On behalf of all the composers, I give you and all your colleagues hearty thanks for the vision and effort to bring our music alive, and as in life, you never need to worry about the occasional mistake. I felt the group held together well performing my works and allowed the audience to stay connected to the music. I am of course intrigued by your decisions. Thanks to you all. Keep this wonderful concept alive and flourishing.
Doug Davis, December 7, 2001
Bravo! Bravissimo! Encore! I would like to congratulate you on the success of your concert(Another Five). Thank you for the CD; I've listen to it a number of times and find the whole program remarkable. I don't think so much care has ever been given to any performance of my songs before...what a rewarding experience. Please extend my best wishes to the other members of the ensemble and thank them for devoting the time and effort to perform the Cantadas. . . .Your interpretation of the songs was perfect; thank you for studying the score and for your professional attitude.
Victor Saucedo, December 7, 2001
I must say that you have a wonderful voice, and it is remarkably clear. Most tenors sacrifice clarity for overwroughtness, I find, but you are thoughtful, clear, and blessed with a beautiful tone.
Arthur Gottschalk
This(live recording of concert on October 23, 1999) shows that art songs are alive and well in the U.S.!
Garth Baxter
As Schumann would have said, "Hats off to both you and Oresta" for a wonderful CD(Time Marches On).
Norman Mathews, January 23, 1998
An absolutely unbelievable achievement(Time Marches On)! And I am so proud and fortunate to be a part of this new CD! Thank you tausendmal!!
. . . the whole CD is of very high quality.
Elizabeth Austin, February 7, 1998
Congratulation!. . . .BirdSongs sounds very fine. Tempi are just right, every word of the poems is clear and musically the performance is wonderful.
Paul Epstein, February 19, 1998
I think your performance is REALLY FABULOUS, and I’m very honored to be on that record(Modern American and Irish Songs). I loved the recording. Its really a good performance,
Corey Field
It was wonderful to receive my copy of Time Marches On. This work is amazing; it is clear in every track how much time was spent rehearsing and performing. The results are impeccable. Congratulations on this stellar musical and artistic achievement.
Stephen Wilcox, March 23, 1998
I find your voice most attractive and beautiful and the perfect timbre for art songs. I very much like your attention to the words and your excellent diction.
Robert Baksa, February 5, 1996
I must tell you that you have a marvelous voice, and excellent musicianship. It is a joy to hear you sing.
Gwyneth Walker, February 11, 1996
Your performances in this recording(Recital of Modern American Songs) are consistently first-rate: you have a commanding voice that guides the listener directly into the songs.