| Date sent: Sun, 30 Jan 2000 12:06:22 EST Subject: To Alleson re:MT Fachs To: vocalist Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
Hi, Alleson, I'll keep my response short since you've gotten so much good feedback already. The people you're auditioning for will not be so much concerned with "fach" (as long as you can hit all the notes of a particular song/role), as with acting the words and how you sound. Be careful, if you sing soprano MT rep, that you don't sound too classically heavy for that particular piece; also, if you have the ability to belt, you will want to show that off. You said in your original post that you'll also be singing operatic rep for these people? Then, if you get to do one aria and one MT song, worry less about the range and more about creating contrast. Which aria are you doing, BTW?
"Iolanthe" sounds great to me, you also might want to look at Mad Margaret's stuff from "Ruddigore" if you have time. Definitely look at Marian's songs from "Music Man" (if you can sing "My White Knight", you're set for that show! :-) ). But whatever MT song you choose, try this - recite the lyrics like a monologue, even work them with a coach if you're able to. Figure out whom you're talking to and why; have a clear mental picture of where you are. Think of the lines before you say/sing them.
I'm sure you already know all this stuff, just wanted to make sure you don't obsess over the music aspect. I found an old book on how to perform/produce Gilbert & Sullivan (written in the 40's or 50's), and one of the things it said was "no one want to hear you sing!". They want to be moved, emotionally engaged, not just assaulted with lovely tonal quality.
Break legs n' go get 'em!
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