ANDREA CHENIER
From Verona
February 3, 2014
I have been working on Andrea Chenier for May performances in Shanghai.
It is quite a challenge to sing the role of Gerard. Much of the singing is big and declamatory. I need to make sure the middle of my voice is open so that all that area is easy to sing. The high notes are not an issue: I seem to be fine with all the high notes.
I must also say, I think it is a great opera and love the challenge of singing this Verismo music!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
PRIME TIME FROM VERONA
PRIME TIME
From Verona
February 2, 2013
I attended the performance of L’Italiana in Algeri tonight in the Teatro Filharmonico in Verona. I have to say it wasn’t the best I’ve seen.
Several singers were quite young and not ready for prime time. You see, unless young people are exceptional, opera singing, especially for the harder roles is a middle aged profession.
What I mean is this: as an artist gets older the body and voice become stable, and life’s experiences help the artist to give a complete experience. A younger singer who is hired first because they are good looking may not have a mature or prepared voice. This was the case on Sunday. Several of the singers were very shapely or handsome, but not ready to the rigors of the music.
I’m all for giving young singers a chance, but what I have found, especially in Italy, is that almost every year there is a ‘discovery’, a new great singer who has come on the scene at a very early age. Most of these ‘discoveries’ are finished in a few years and fade away because of lack or experience or skills. I’m older and wizened, so I can express these opinions at this time in my life!
From Verona
February 2, 2013
I attended the performance of L’Italiana in Algeri tonight in the Teatro Filharmonico in Verona. I have to say it wasn’t the best I’ve seen.
Several singers were quite young and not ready for prime time. You see, unless young people are exceptional, opera singing, especially for the harder roles is a middle aged profession.
What I mean is this: as an artist gets older the body and voice become stable, and life’s experiences help the artist to give a complete experience. A younger singer who is hired first because they are good looking may not have a mature or prepared voice. This was the case on Sunday. Several of the singers were very shapely or handsome, but not ready to the rigors of the music.
I’m all for giving young singers a chance, but what I have found, especially in Italy, is that almost every year there is a ‘discovery’, a new great singer who has come on the scene at a very early age. Most of these ‘discoveries’ are finished in a few years and fade away because of lack or experience or skills. I’m older and wizened, so I can express these opinions at this time in my life!
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