| 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
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