Work in progress on 'Oh, Die My Love' of Isidora Žebeljan

In 2006 Isidora Zebeljan wrote a song cycle for Soprano and string orchestra called 'Nove Ladine pesme' / 'New Songs of Lada'which was set on to the verses of anonymous poets of Vojvodina in the late 18th and early 19th century. I was so fascinated by the last song called 'Ej Duso' / 'Oh Die My Love' that I asked Isidora if she could arrange it for violin, piano and my own voice. This is a song by a girl that is not allowed to marry a man she loves, and she chooses to die rather than marry someone else.

In 2011 I received the version of the piece and it. Working on it changed the way my mind works. It took a year of absolute dedication and willpower with an ability of concentration I didn't know I had in me to finally be able to perform it. I think it is safe to assume that it will be one of the signature pieces.