To: Vocalist <vocalist>
From: Naomi Gurt Lind
Subject: re: Strauss Songs...
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

Fiona wrote:

>Any thoughts on the following (all by
>Strauss):
> Amor - this one really has me baffled
> Cacile
> Kling
> Schlagende Herzen
> Blindeklage
> Allerseelen and Standchen (both of which are more mainstream and
>understandable, yet still gorgeous....)
>
>I haven't really done tons of work on these pieces, but for whatever reason,
>the poetry does appeal to me, even if I am not quite identifying with the
>narrator. As for which ones would be most suitable for a light soprano
>voice - I haven't gotten that far either, so any advice in this department
>is also welcome!

Great choices, Fiona! You and your teacher will have the final decision,
of course, but since you asked for opinions... I have usually heard
Cacilie sung by medium lyric voices, voices of some size. The person I
thought sang it best also did roles like Donna Elvira and Mimi. This isn't
to say that a lighter voice couldn't pull it off -- with a very sensitive &
skilled pianist, one who can play all those notes with body and yet still
stay out of your way! Not impossible but will require some teamwork!

As for Amor, the poem *is* a little flaky, isn't it?! You probably already
know this, but "Amor" is also the name for Cupid -- so you're addressing
the god of Love, not Love itself. It's a very saucy song, in my opinion.
I'm interested to know what your thoughts are...

Another Strauss song that's excellent for high, light voices is Wie sollten
wir geheim... -- it's not quite as often performed as, say Amor and
Allerseelen and Standchen but it's a really good song.

Have fun!
Naomi Gurt Lind