"DIANE M. CLARK (MUSIC DEPARTMENT)" wrote:
> > In my opinion, opera chorus is an ensemble, but singing solo opera roles is > not. In an ensemble, you want students to have the experience of making > music in tandem with other musicians. Yes, there are a few duets in opera, > but to my mind, this does not give the singer true ensemble experience. In > a true ensemble, you can't just go your own way; you have to go the way of the > total group.
I agree in principle, though many opera choruses are quite simple musically and shouldn't merit ensemble credit by themselves (e.g., Anvil Chorus), but I think exceptions would have to be made for the following:
The "big 4" Mozart operas (e.g., Three Ladies in Flute, Act 2 Finale in Figaro, everything in Cosi), Any Rossini operas (e.g., any Act finale) Most 20th-century operas (any Menotti, and the Baby Doe ladies' quintets come right to mind), A Sondheim show like Into the Woods (every principal sings in rhythmically complex ensembles) Verdi's Falstaff--the final fugue alone should qualify a singer for a Master's degree in ensemble! :-)
Peggy
-- Margaret Harrison, Alexandria, Virginia, USA "Music for a While Shall All Your Cares Beguile" mailto:peggyh@i...
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