| Date sent: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 01:51:30 EST Subject: Re: Musical theatre anthology books To: vocalist Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
In a message dated 02/01/2000 12:18:24 PM Pacific Standard Time, jaxsobcon-at-norlink.net writes:
<< However, to transpose a drastic amount (which I have heard done) destroys the feel of the character of the piece. I've seen 2 versions of Crazy for You and one had the lead female cast in a high lyric soprano while the second one had her as a belty mezzo. I did prefer the more lyric singer. Just more subjective commentary.. Jacqueline >>
Jacqueline....isn't that the truth? I understand a company here is doing Hello Dolly & considering a local "celebrity" for the role who happens to be a coloratura...she was fabulous as Audrey in Little Shop & has done a credible Mable in Pirates, but Dolly taken up the octave sounds ridiculous....(this is, unfortunately how many high schools choose to do it, too, rather than paying extra for the transpositions a fourth up). The original keys were for Channing (almost a female tenor) and it is almost impossible to find a good actress/singer with a voice that low, the transposition up a 4th is certainly doable, since it keeps Dolly lower than Mrs. Malloy....but a coloratura is just the wrong vocal type for the role...jeez...I wonder if people will ever understand that some of the "conventions" are there for very good reasons! Regards, Barbara
| |