Dear Friends,
We're nearing the end of our single/dual part "blind" rehearsals. And with that, let me just say thank you for participating in this strange and new way of thinking about singing. I know it has been challenging, frustrating, and maybe even a bit depressing at times, not being able to sing together. We're singers--we need to sing. And what we do brings us joy and life when we do; and yet, at this time in history it also presents the most significant risk to ourselves and to others in the process. For some of you, it might even be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I know it's there. And I know that what we're doing now will pay off in the end. Please know I'm with you and support you in your frustration and even discouragement. Together, as an ensemble, we will create beautiful music once again.
That being said, here are the notes from last week:
Alleluia:
- This song is about a constant shift in dynamics - 69 out 75 total measures have a written or suggested dynamic shift. Highlight EVERY ONE. That means if there is a crescendo occurring through a couple of measures pencil in what that measure should be. And practice singing it observing them all.
- Lean into Al-le-LU-ia
- Altos, tenors, and basses don't breathe between mm. 12-13 and 44-46
- Don't run out of air at the ends of phrases--stagger so the energy and pitch stay vibrant
- Practice ppp singing with intensity and practice your initial ppp onset ah
Little Birds:
- Decide what sounds (bird calls or free form pitch patters) you will sing in mm. 5-11 and 46-49. Make them delicate and beautiful. Remember "little" birds
- Write in the words of the poem:
Time empty of minutes, (el tiempo se vacía de minutos)
A bird stopped short in the air. (se ha detinido un pájaro en el aire.)
Light cast down, (Se despeña la luz)
The pillars awake and, (des piertan las columnas y,)
Without moving, (sin moverse,)
Dance. (bailan.)
The hour/time is transparent: (La hora es transparente:)
If the bird is invisible, (si es invisible el pájaro,)
Let us see the color of his song. (el color de su canto.)
- Soprano I: please correct the misprint on p. 11, m. 33. The A is natural, not sharped.
- Sing this with a sense of awe and dreaminess
For Wednesday:
Music Down in My Soul
A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square
Modimo
See you Wednesday evening:
6:30 - 7:30 Women
7:30 - 8:30 Men
Ted