To: "VOCALIST" <vocalist>
Subject: Fw: Rude Awakening
Date sent: Mon, 17 Jan 2000 22:59:58 -0600
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

>>I wouldn't dream of singing an art song without doing a character study,
just
as I do for opera or music theatre. Every art song is a mini-drama, and it
is
up to the singer to portray that character just as vividly as in any other
dramatic medium. Nothing is more boring than an art song (or other music)
where someone just stands there and sings. That's not what I call singing.
Singing is a dramatic art, no matter what literature is being performed --
from opera to barbershop! :)<<

Brava, Diane! I came to singing a bit late (25), after many, many years in
theater. At first I was only interested in operatic repertoire, because that
was the only place I saw opportunities for characterization. Was I wrong!
Only in the past year have I really "discovered" art songs and the rich
dramatic possibilities therein. The great thing about them is, you're not
limited by a larger work, e.g. "But if she felt that way in Act II. there's
no reason she should feel this way in Act III." The only limits are in your
imagination.Characterization in art songs is intensely personal work, which
is what makes it so interesting.

Now I'm working on "Frauenliebe- und Leben." What an opportunity for an
actress!

Cheers, all!
Rachel