Those of you who know opera. . .

[ForTheLoveOfLea]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:28pm

I'm going to start training in opera this fall. Do any of you have any aria reccomendations for a beginning soprano? I'm not sure, but I think I'm more on the lyric side because my voice has been often described as pretty and ethereal. Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!

[CostumeMistress]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:46pm

Always start out with the SINGER'S BIBLE (aka "Twenty-Four Italian Songs and Arias" from Schirmer's Library of Musical Classics). It's published in every range and will be available at any music store that sells sheet music. Pick something inside that interests you, and start working!

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:46pm

Start of with Mozart- basically guarranteed not to stuff your voice up while you're learning the ropes. Cherubino in "Figaro" and Zerlina in "Don Giovanni" are good starting points.

[M J R]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:47pm

Your teacher will likely make selections for you based on what she is trying to do with your voice...

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 5:58pm

And I totally agree with Costume mistress on the 24 Italian Songs and Arias. You will probably grow to hate them, but they are a fantastic starting point.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 6:26pm

..and a major rule of thumb, if you don't like singing in different languages or singing this kind of music - don't! There are tons of music to sing but with opera you must be blessed with "la sacro fuoco"...the sacred flame...you just don't sing it - you feel it in your very soul..you yearn to sing it....

If you do not, there's "Wicked"...

[Bret]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 7:31pm

A sort of related question- One of my friends said that they recently saw an opera with some of the most beautiful music she has heard. She can't remember it's name, but told me it was about nuns(I THINK she said it was a 1 act, but I could be wrong.) If anyone knows what opera I'm talking about, please let me know.

[grizzabella]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 7:34pm

I think your friend is referring to "Dialogues of the Carmelites." It's very sad, but the music is sublime.

[ForTheLoveOfLea]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 8:23pm

I looked through the "Bible" and I've actually sang "Sebben Crudele" in my high school voice lab. I wasn't particularily good at the time but I feel now I can sing the hell out of that song.

I do enjoy singing in other languages, especially German. I have lots of strengh when I sing in German and I have a very good tone to sing in Italian. I came very close to getting the soprano solo in a Schumann piece in my choir to sing for our competition, but I kinda got nervous at my callback.

I do have a great desire to sing opera. I've been looking into Maria Callas' work for a long time now and ever since I became familiar with Die Zauberflote I've been hooked. It is something I seriously want to persue.

[Unknown User]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 8:28pm

You said the two Magic words:

Maria and Callas

That means you've been chosen..

Proceed with joy and all my best wishes!

[ForTheLoveOfLea]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 8:36pm

I'm very happy I have your approval, Voiceanth. I'm determined to work my ass off to be able to do whatever aria I pick justice.

[Dollypop]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 8:51pm

Cherubino was written for a castrato, not a soprano.

[grizzabella]

Posted: 9/8/05 at 9:03pm

And ain't we all glad they don't do THAT anymore for the sake of being a countertenor!