To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: Re: Arias Transposed
Date sent: Sat, 5 Feb 2000 00:41:27 -0800
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>


>
> Look at all the recital arias that are transposed all over the
> place. Last I looked "where 'ere you walk" was written for tenor
> voice yet we have recordings from all vocal categories. The 26
> songs and arias that everyone sings, including in competition are
> transposed for various voices. Most art songs are available in
> multiple transpositions. Many don't sound quite write in the
> alternate keys.

Hi Alan,
Yes, but Where're you walk is from a seldom performed oratorio - Semele
(although it should be performed more I think). The 26 italian songs are
also from operas seldom, if never performed, so it changes that perspective.
The problem with opera arias is that they go with the opera - and
although it may be fine to transpose the one aria for a recital or similiar
event, the entire opera cannot be transposed which quite as much ease!
Art songs are different - they are (usually) single pieces that in the
case of the most mainstream composers, ARE available in more than one key,
in some cases 3 or 4 different keys.
To me, transposing an aria to a key in which it is hardly heard
performed, will change the nature of the aria, and change the sound and
colour. This does not mean arias shouldn't be tranposed - but since they
are not often heard in other keys, it gives a little "shock" to people like
me who are um, a little more pitch sensitive.....

Fiona