Why can't sopranos hit the note first time?

Cough-cough! Gizzafag mister?

There are two kinds of opera singers.

Amplitude modulation and frequency modulation.

Listen next time and see if I'm not right.

I know which I prefer.

Dear Brad and Nime,

This question of operatic style is one of the style of teaching! The German tradition and the English tradition both used to encourage accuracy and projection, and by projection I mean 'of the words,' including such rare things nowadays as conconants! Think of Elisabeth Schumann, or Isobel Bailie, and your perspectives will be broadened. I used to have A S von Otter's recording of Dido. I then dug out old Flagstads venerable set on LP. I parted with the acclaimed von Otter and got a CD of Flagstad. The old Norwegian was not only completely within the part emotionally, but sang FAR more accurately and beautifully. Not a squally note to be found. I am not at all convinced that Wagner was her real forte! Shame she did so much in my view, but then that was the fashion in those days!

Fredrik

I have heard repeatedly in relaxed radio interviews with opera singers that there is enormous pressure to move onto the big parts. Often long before their voices have gained the strength required. A number have said that their voces never recovered, were set back several years or were lost much earlier than necessary.

I am not a fan of opera. But I hear a lot of "snatches" of opera singing on the radio classical channels (including many historical recordings) Sadly there are many singers who cannot really be placed in the top echelon. But just now and then there is a magical voice. One which not only sings with great emotion. Is actually tuneful. Has real character and is also beautiful beyond words. But it would seem the fans of opera will always raise the rafters for the most indifferent of perfomances.

This has nothing to do with glissando, presumably?

Dear Bob,

I am quite certain that some people get thoroughly confussed about what is a stylish glissando or 'glide' as it was called for the same effect on both voicce and string in Baroque times. It is entirely a good and pleasant grace whan done with taste. I think a singer who makes habitual scoops is being nothing other than lazy though. It is not the same thing at all...

Fredrik

Oops, little editing needed! I said exactly what I did not mean!!!

Fredrik,

Just thought I would mention that following the conversation in another thread, I am going to attend a "virgin's" Messiah rehearsal for this year's performance by the Belfast Philharmonic Choir. The rehearsals start in early November.

If I like it, and if I can still sing, hold a tune and read music after a break of nearly 30 years, I might audition for membership of the choir.

Brad

Good for you Brad, and good luck!!

By the way, do you knaow how many sopranos it takes to change a light bulb?

Just one - she puts the bulb in the socket and waits for the world to revolve around her.

quote:

Originally posted by Yeldarb:
Fredrik,

Just thought I would mention that following the conversation in another thread, I am going to attend a "virgin's" Messiah ...
Brad

Dear Brad,

Do you know the one about the soprano who auditioned for Beecham for the Messiah?

She asured him that she had learnned the score very well, and took it to bed with her every night...

Beecham, rather quietly enquired whether, therefore the audience might be in for an immaculate conception!

Good luck with the day of Messiah!

All the best, Fred

Thank you - I am looking forward to it.

Brad