| To: "Vocalist" <vocalist> Subject: Re: Arias Transposed Date sent: Fri, 4 Feb 2000 20:49:17 -0500 Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>
the flames sure came out on this one! I guess Placido Domingo better quit singing since many of the high tenor arias in things he regularly does are transposed down more than a semi-tone. We know nothing about the singer who made the original request. Maybe he is a tenor in baritone clothes as Melchior was (and probably Domingo, truth be told). If this fellow wants to sing some popular arias for his own enjoyment let him do it.
How many performances of La Boheme have you been to where the tenor doubles the soprano on a high "C" in the act closing duet? Did Puccini write it that way?
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.
Alan
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