For your "Twix-bar of an episode", today we are talking about Jane Vieu (1871-1955) and Mel Bonis (1858-1937). Jane Vieu started composing at age 11 and studied composition with Massenet. Mel Bonis had rather Wagnerian-opera life story, due to her parents' attempts to control her--she became a musician despite their machinations.

For anyone who has never heard Anna Russell, check out the YouTube clip of her with Canto dolciamente pipo (her Italian is intentionally not perfect!).

Musical clips performed by Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano, and Ellen Rissinger, piano:

Vieu (found in Anthology of Songs, the score is available from many libraries and through ILL):

• Belle au bois dormant
• Chanson fleurie

Bonis:

• Le chat sur le toit

Recorded at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA.

Exactly Counter: Ellen 1, Toni 1

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So Lit Song Lit is a production of Cincinnati Song Initiative. You can learn more about its network of podcasts at cincinnatisonginitiative.org/podcasts.

You can follow Ellen and The Diction Police on Facebook and at www.dictionpolice.com.

You can follow Toni Marie on Facebook at Toni Marie Palmertree, soprano and Instagram @ToniMariePalmertree

This episode is sponsored by Carnegie Mellon University. Learn more about CMU and apply today.