On Fri, 7 Jun 2002 17:37:48 -0400 (EDT) Karen Mercedes <dalila@R...> wrote: >>I've often wondered the same thing - and have also wondered whether Musetta, a soubrette role (no need for a coloratura as she hasn't got any fioratura passages to sing), might not soon go the way of Mozart's Zerlina, who is increasingly being sung by high lyric mezzos.
I've heard of mezzos doing Musetta, but I've yet to see a production, whether amateur or opera house, who's cast one. But whichever voice type, I think the key to Musetta is being able to "perform" the role. I recently saw a student production with an outstanding Rodolfo (a very talented young tenor named Stefan Reed who's starting his Masters at New England conservatory in the fall - note the name, you could well hear it in the future), Mimi and Marcello. But the Musetta, who sang well, didn't have the key to acting the part, though you could see her trying up a storm. This made every scene in which Musetta had a prominent part fall flat on its face, and that's very hard to do with this opera, it's so sure-fire. (Hopefully this soprano will get some good opera-acting coaching and do better the next time.)
Peggy
Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA.
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