Conspirare audiences know baritone Marques Jerrell Ruff from Margaret Bonds’ Credo and Restless Hearts. Marques will take center stage in Elijah on November 7. We asked him to tell us more about his experience singing Elijah.
Q: You have performed this role several times … what do you invite people to listen for?
MJR: I have performed this, including a complete performance from memory, a couple of times now. I invited audiences to consider the plight of Elijah and how Mendelssohn chose to express his frustration, joy, and faith in God through his recitatives and arias. My goal is always to become Elijah, not just sing the notes on the page.
Q: As you prepare for this upcoming performance, is there a particular aspect of the role / story / music that feels especially prominent/present for you right now as it relates to current events?
MJR: This is a great question! Right now, I vacillate between two pieces that are particularly meaningful. The first, and this one is the most consistent, is Lord God of Abraham. It is such an earnest plea and offers the baritone soloist a wide emotional palette with which to color the performance. The other is Is Not His Word Like A Fire — it’s a rage aria and sometimes it’s good to let out some anger and frustration.
Q: How do you go about preparing for a solo role like this?
MJR: For me, with any role, it is about daily exposure in a myriad of ways, not just singing. It is always my hope that when I am performing the piece, I can feel in my body what comes next rather than always just having to look at the score. This systematic approach allows me to fully envelope the role.
Q: What recording(s) of Mendelssohn’s Elijah do you recommend, and what do you love about the recording?
MJR: Great question! There are actually two performances that I swear by: The 1989 London Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, conducted by Richard Hickox featuring Willard White as Elijah and then a 2012 recording conducted by Paul McCreesh, featuring Simon Keenlyside as Elijah. Both recordings are drastically different (e.g., tempi, emotional weight, etc.), but the baritones are brilliant! The musical choices are informed and personal.
More about Marques
Q: What do you like to do for fun in Austin?
MJR: Austin is such a fun and adventurous city. I love getting out into nature, and also having some good Texas BBQ!
Q: What do you love about Austin?
MJR: My first experience in Austin was just after I graduated high school, over twenty years ago! My best friend and I took a road trip from Connecticut (where I’m from originally) just for the fun of it. I have loved Austin ever since.
Q: Do you have a pre and or post-show ritual (that you are comfortable sharing!)?
MJR: For a pre-show ritual, I do the same warmup for every performance! I begin with SOVTE (semi-occluded vocal tract exercises) and finish by singing the Confutatis from Verdi’s Requiem! For the post-show, I always warm down. This helps my larynx settle and essentially turns my voice off for the evening.
