DeGaetani, Jan (1933–1989)
DeGaetani, Jan (1933–1989)
American mezzo-soprano. Name variations: Jan de Gaetani; Janice Reutz. Born Janice Reutz, July 10, 1933, in Massilon, Ohio; died of leukemia, Sept 15, 1989, in Rochester, New York; studied at Juilliard with Sergius Kagen; m. Thomas DeGaetani (conductor, div.); m. James West (oboist).
Dubbed Queen of Avante-Garde, specialized in modern vocal compositions with the Contemporary Chamber Ensemble; made debut in NY (1958); came to prominence in premiere of George Crumb's Ancient Voices of Children in Washington, DC (1970), one of many works written expressly for her by major composers; over 30-year period, collaborated extensively with Crumb, developing new vocal technique, as well as with Gilbert Kalish; collaborated with Peter Maxwell Davies and sang in the premieres of his Stone Litany (1973) and Black Pentecost (1982); sang in premieres of works by Richard Wernick (Visions of Wonder and Terror), William Schuman (In Sweet Music) and Elliott Carter; had diverse repertoire, ranging from medieval Play of Herod to German lieder, French melodies, and songs of John Dowland, Stephen Foster and Charles Ives; appeared with Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and with Speculum Musicae; was professor at Eastman School of Music (1973–89); published The Complete Sightsinger (1980), based on her master classes. Recordings include George Crumb: Ancient Voices of Children (1971) and Jan DeGaetani Sings Berlioz, Mahler (1993).