This last year has been a momentous journey in terms of my vocal development. I just finished singing the role of the Countess in Mozart's Figaro, and am right now preparing "Things Change, Jo" from Mark Adamo's Little Women. Confused? So was I.
If you aren't familiar, the role of the Countess is lyric soprano, and the role of Meg (Little Women) is mezzo-soprano. Of course there can be crossover when choosing repertoire; sing what suits your voice. But how are you supposed to choose repertoire when you aren't quite sure where you fit?
I happen to have a weightier tone than some of my soprano colleagues, have both a high and a solid low range, but have a difficult time singing those higher notes on lower dynamics. I have found that in singing lower into my register, my higher range has also extended and improved. This is not to say that I am now a mezzo because I have that strength in my low range, but I am finding that I am not only able to sing a variety of repertoire, but am comfortable doing it. I don't quite fit cleanly into either the soprano or the mezzo category.
The term that is used to describe that exact situation is Zwischen, and in knowing that I am comforted that there are other people in the same boat. Sometimes singing lower soprano repertoire and high mezzo repertoire in combination can be exactly what is right for your voice. I just wanted to share this little piece of enlightenment as today it gave me a bit of perspective into my own situation. Don't put yourself in a box- sing what feels good and helps you to improve as an individual singer.
If you aren't familiar, the role of the Countess is lyric soprano, and the role of Meg (Little Women) is mezzo-soprano. Of course there can be crossover when choosing repertoire; sing what suits your voice. But how are you supposed to choose repertoire when you aren't quite sure where you fit?
I happen to have a weightier tone than some of my soprano colleagues, have both a high and a solid low range, but have a difficult time singing those higher notes on lower dynamics. I have found that in singing lower into my register, my higher range has also extended and improved. This is not to say that I am now a mezzo because I have that strength in my low range, but I am finding that I am not only able to sing a variety of repertoire, but am comfortable doing it. I don't quite fit cleanly into either the soprano or the mezzo category.
The term that is used to describe that exact situation is Zwischen, and in knowing that I am comforted that there are other people in the same boat. Sometimes singing lower soprano repertoire and high mezzo repertoire in combination can be exactly what is right for your voice. I just wanted to share this little piece of enlightenment as today it gave me a bit of perspective into my own situation. Don't put yourself in a box- sing what feels good and helps you to improve as an individual singer.
No comments:
Post a Comment