Hello all!
Before we start working with any repertory they are some things we have to take in consideration in our study routine in order to offer a good interpretation of an opera aria or an art song, Here I am giving you a list of things to take in consideration when we start learning new repertory.
1. Respect the era and composer’s style:
When we talk about the different eras we are talking about the differences in the art of singing following the guidelines of a specific style. To be more clear, we must learn the differences between the bel canto and verismo for example. Respecting the guidelines of each era is crucial to give a correct performance. In singing competitions it is very important to present contrasting styles to show the judges your capabilities of adapting your voice from one style to another, from one composer to another. Singing Puccini for example, is very different than singing Mozart. If you learn the guidelines of the different styles and composers you will be able to adapt your voice to the differences that set apart each style and this will make you a better and more versatile singer. More styles you can adapt to your voice, more choices on repertory you can find.
2. Understanding the words we are singing:
Many songs and arias are written in foreign languages. In a perfect world we should be able to fluently speak in each language we sing. Unfortunately for many singers that’s not the case. To have a good understanding of the words we are singing we must find a word by word translation, even if this translation doesn’t make an understandable poetical sense, it is good to be able to know what each word means for interpretation purposes. This translation should be done on the sheet music. Write each word in your own language over each word on the original language. This is just for you and is to help you to understand the whys of the harmony, tempo and dynamics. Remember, composers wrote dynamics, harmonies and tempo for a reason. Doing this will help you to get a better picture of the composer’s set of mind and will give you a clear idea on how to approach the words and set your mind in the character you want to portrait.
3. Diction, diction, diction!
Your voice might be beautiful but if you are not able to sing the words clearly you will be in trouble. Practice your diction every day. Make sure you learn the basis of the language you are about to sing. Make sure you learn to pronounce correctly those umlaut vowels in German and the double consonants in Italian, the nasal sounds in French etc. Each language has it’s own cadence and composers followed the language’s natural rhythm to write their music to enhance the message the words are communicating. It is very frustrating for fellow singers, voice teachers and vocal coaches to hear a singer’s beautiful voice and not be able to guess what language he/she is singing. Make sure you do your best in pronouncing correctly.
4. Understanding the libretto or the poetry of a cycle:
We need to have a complete understanding of the piece we are going to sing. Opera gives singers, in my opinion an easier way to understand and interpret the arias because they are sung by a character. The libretto gives singers and idea of the qualities and human charisma each character has in the opera and the arias are reflecting the character’s thoughts and feelings of a particular situation in the opera. This along with the music, the rhythms, the speed, dynamics and the major or minor keys give singers a good understanding of the character. For example, when a soprano sings Vissi d’arte from Tosca, she knows that particular aria is sung by Fiora Tosca, she should know Fiora is in love with Mario Cavaradossi and she should know Scarpia has an obsession with Fiora. I would recommend to learn not only your aria, but read a synopsis of the whole opera. Listen the whole opera even if you are only learning the aria. More you learn about the character better the results in terms of vocal interpretation. I would recommend the same about art songs that belong to a cycle. If you are singing Er, der herrlichste von allen form the Cycle Frauenlibe und leben Op. 42 you should know the whole story. And answer the following questions: Who is singing? Why is he/she singing that song ? To whom is he/she singing that song? If the song is not coming from a particular character, create your own! Listen to the whole cycle. Find the translations for all songs. And, if possible, learn the whole cycle!
5. Give the words the meaning they deserve:
It is important to study not only the voice’s line and the meaning of the words, but also studying the orchestra parts or the piano reduction or the piano accompaniment. It is imperative to understand the atmosphere in which the words become alive like in a real situation. The key (major or minor key) the harmony and rhythms play a very special role in the vocal interpretation. The music is supporting the words and creating an ambiance that let the audience know if that particular moment is sad or happy, if the character is facing a complex situation or if is giving his/her thoughts about something that happened previously in the opera or something that will happen after the character sings the aria. It is also very important to respect the dynamics and understand why a particular dynamic was written in a particular passage or words. Dynamics usually project feelings and emotions through the words we sing. Then, it is also necessary to pay close attention to the tempo and the changes on the pulses as they are presented on the music. Tempo and tempo changes also project emotions and feelings by adding tension or relaxing the music and the singer’s line. In song cycles it is even more important to understand the piano part. The pianist along with the singer is telling the story and creates the atmosphere with beautiful lines that opens or closes each song. In many art songs the pianist has important lines that complement and create images that singers will describe with their words.
6. Become the character:
I think something very important will be missing if we don’t add our own selves and become the character not only musically, but in our mind. I think this is the most difficult task for any singer. Becoming the character and giving everything you have in your soul, mind and heart without any hesitation is not an easy thing to do. In order to become the character we have to think and act like the character would think and act in real life. Those feelings and emotions, that state of mind and the character’s actions and intentions must become real in order to create a believable persona. As singers we have to walk on the character’s shoes and give your mind and soul in a way that the character becomes alive through your voice. You must believe you are Mimi, or Tosca, or Scarpia. If you don’t believe it, the audience won’t believe it either. The music, the dynamics, the tempo, the keys, the libretto and the poetry are there to help you to build a strong foundation to become who ever you have to become. In your soul, mind and heart are the tools to express what ever the character has to express. Do not be afraid to experience the vulnerability of the character you are about to portrait. Find in your own voice the colors and inflections that project the pain, the suffering, the happiness, the excitement, the anger and many other human emotions we all have experienced, because we are all human beings. Work on your dynamics, try different tempos, give every word the feeling and the emotion they deserve. Do not hesitate! Just, make it happen!
7. Use your vocal resources and vocal technique:
Finally and most importantly is using your voice in an effective way, with a technique that gives you the tools to change your vocal inflections, colors, dynamics and at the same time gives you the freedom to be in total control of your instrument. Learn a technique that allows you to sing with flexibility and grace. Better technique you develop, better and easier will be for you to become the character you are about to portrait. Do not disregard the fact that developing a correct vocal technique will help you to deal with any vocal challenges you might face through your singing career.
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