>>>>>Porgi, amor (Marriage of Figaro-The Countess) is a good aria for a beginning lyric soprano.<<<<
Depending on what level of achievement you are after I couldn't more strongly disagree Mandi. Certainly "Porgi,Amor" looks straightforward, as does Susanna's "Deh Vienni Non Tardar" however both these arias have hidden demands that are far from suitable for beginners to perform, even though arguably might be considered training pieces, but that depends on the age of the singer.
Porgi especially requires a rock solid technique, totally effortless breathing support and above all STAMINA. These are not common in beginners, they take time, patience, practise, age and maturity to develop and achieve.
The Countess is not a role performed by beginners. As a character she is a mature woman, which means anything between 35 and 45 to most directors. (Mozart most certainly knew this and wrote accordingly.) Vocally this can often translate to the singer being 45 to 55 to handle the demands of the music written for it when we're talking Mozart. There is a reason Opera companies start their baby sopranos out in the roles of Cherubino, Barbarina and Marcellina before letting them loose on even Susanna.
I am in no way trying to put you down by stating the above strongly Mandi. I am, respectfully, suggesting you have fallen into a common trap that many do when looking at Mozart. Have you sung/taught Porgi yourself by any chance?
>>>But, above all else, check with your voice teacher first.<<<
That goes without saying for any advice given on this list Julie, only YOUR teacher can know what's best for you. She might even give you the green light for Mandi's suggestion, I have no idea what level you are at. I do know however that Mozart's work is never as "easy" as it looks, both as a performer and a teacher.
Cheers, Michelle
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