>> As good a song as "Giants in the Sky" is, I would steer clear
>> of it for an audition.
>> It's common knowledge that you should avoid Sondheim for
>> auditions because his music is so good . . .
Hm, seems to me you'd want to do "good music" if you have the talent. And, obviously, he is not auditioning for "Pippin" on Broadway . . .it is, mostly likely, a local production or college and that is where you learn. Thus, my feeling, as an older performer, do it -- do Sondheim if it fits and see if you can pull it off.
>> and so difficult that it can magnify any flaws you may have
>> as a singer, whether it be with intricate harmonies or
>> rhythms.
Also, a director can tell, sorry to inform you; in 'three notes or less' if you can actually sing! Every class I ever took, every teacher I've ever studied with confirms this fact. They have an 'ear' for a good voice in a note or two . . . despite 'flaws' or missing an intricate rhythm or harmony (solo's have no harmonies, anyway). A good director/casting person knows that in 'rehearsal' [which is why we have them] any small problems can be corrected.
Thus, I disagree about choosing something 'less intricate' as Sondheim. If the song fits your voice, or the role you want . . . choose the song that works.
And who's "common knowledge" is it to not choose Sondheim if one can do it well? Yes, I do understand that a lot of Sondheim is done to death at auditions . . .and to avoid the songs that everyone and their mother choose; but not because of difficulty.
I mean, if the person cannot sing or if they can . . .it will show in any song be it Sondheim, Lloyd Webber, Schwartz or Hammerstein or Gershwin, etc!
Love and Stage Lights,
Angela Theresa
Updated On: 10/23/07 at 03:30 PM
