>Interesting question from my voice teacher the other day. She asked me >what I called myself when I did auditions, competitions, etc. At first, I >thought she meant my name - but what she meant is what voice category I >listed myself as. >I say interesting, because when I told her I called myself a mezzo-soprano >(or, when I needed to be more specific, a dramatic mezzo), her response >was that if it weren't for Marilyn Horne, she would argue with me: she >thinks I have all the earmarks of a true contralto Though I agree that ultimately it doesn't matter what label you use, and that your voice is a unique instrument, your question is a legitimate one with respect to marketing. The term "contralto" creates expectations of a darker sound than the term "mezzo-soprano" for an auditioning panel looking to cast a specific role, and it might raise questions BEFORE you sang. Afterward, the it wouldn't matter, since they would base their judgement on your sound--the house may even suggest how you should be billed. I say use whatever label you think they want to hear, if you think you can handle the role. For concert work, unusual labels can be intriguing, and a good marketing strategy. What about "Dramatic Contralto"? That might connote a contralto with extended range. The label may even change the way people hear you. Keep asking the questions, and you'll create just the right niche in the market for yourself. Best wishes, Karen Jensen, (Jensalto--Jensano?)
|
| |