Notes – Dress Rehearsal 12/6/2017

Thank you for all your hard work in spite of several obstacles this semester. I appreciate all you’ve brought in terms of talent and spirit. I think you are going to sing some beautiful music, beautifully. A few things to keep in mind and please mark into your scores:

Hodie Christus Natus Est

·         Be aggressive in your timing and rhythm in a light, dance-like manner. Don’t let it get too relaxed. Use light tonal production.

·         Always lean on the ”lu” of all Alleluias. Always diminish the last syllable in every word.

·         Make no-e light and detached always.

·         Make it exciting – your text is the words of the angels announcing the birth.

Magnum Mysterium

·         Slight modification (TENORS/BASS) – crescendo the half notes, descrescendo the quarter notes in O magnum section – pages 3-5. PLEASE MARK THIS!!

·         Start and maintain piano at Allegro section page 10. Keep it brisk and crisp on alleluias, but soft.

Allon, Gay Bergeres

·         Please get your eyes out of your scores and try to look like you’re emotionally engaged in the excitement of this piece.

·         Push the rhythm and excitement of the story-telling

Alleluia

·         Make this ethereal in mood. Remember the first 5 pages never really get above a piano, and there are a lot of pp markings

Masters in this Hall

·         Again, get out of your scores and tell the story

·         Listen for the melody being careful front row (Peter/Chuck/Eileen) not to project too much when it’s your turn

I Wonder as I Wander/Still, Still, Still/In the Bleak Midwinter/Before the Marvel of This Night

·         Enunciate like crazy. All these texts are very significant

·         In the Bleak Midwinter – open mouthed hm (ng) for all parts except soprano melody starting pickup to measure 33 all the way to tenors at 48.

Ya viene la Viejo

·         This is short, light, fluff—make it playful and look up.

Angels We Have Heard on High

·         Move the tempo/rhythm with light-hearted excitement

·         Soften at measures 88-90 then swell to 91 on Deo

Tomorrow Shall Be My Dancing Day

·         Sounds great! Be sure and sing “lahv” at end

Benedictus

·         Keep this prayer-like

·         Please watch!!! I want you to really communicate this with the audience!

·         Decrescendo through the breath at the end has / no end, meaning come in soft on no.

Glory – Encore

·         Don’t over sing. Be enthusiastic and full-voiced, but keep it beautiful.

·         Sopranos really study your entrances and variations on the Go Tell It sections

·         Any tenors who can double the basses at measure 27 would be appreciated.

·         All the big glorys and kings should be rich, not just loud