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Date sent: Tue, 25 Jan 2000 23:15:06 EST
Subject: Re: The Five Big Arias (LONG)
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

I have done some coaching with Kim Witman from Wolf Trap and she had some
really good advice on this topic.

First, you need to figure out what your greatest strength is and make the
majority (say 3) of you arias reflect that strength. For example, if you can
float pianissimi high notes, chose arias which show them off. If you are
cute, funny and energetic as all hell, pick arias and roles which show that.
If its Mozart, coloratura, high notes, drama, WHATEVER, you need to focus on
your strengths.

Second, you should really try and cover the 4 big languages - English,
Italian, French and German. If you are in a fach (lyric mezzos for example)
which don't have a great selection in a certain language (in this case
German) everybody understands that. But you do need to show that you are
proficient in different languages. Also, if you are fabulous in Russian or
even Spanish, throwing one in might be nice, but probably not the aria you
start with.

Third, always start with your best piece. This may change from day to day
depending on your mood, etc. or it may always be the same. But you always
want to start as if you will only be allowed to sing one piece and it should
always be the one you are most comfortable with and that shows you off best.

Fourth, it always helps to have contrasting styles. If you are a lyric
coloratura soprano and you list is stuff like The Doll Song, Queen of the
Night, The Shadow Song and Mein Herr Marquis, they might wonder why you
haven't included any pieces that show you can spin a beautiful line...and
they will probably assume that you can't. Also, varying styles show that you
have experience in different types of opera.

I think that's all I have right now. I'm stir crazy from all the snow here
in DC and I'm going to quit while I'm ahead!

Zerbinetta