Vocalist.org archive


Date sent: Wed, 2 Feb 2000 01:51:30 EST
Subject: Re: Musical theatre anthology books
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

In a message dated 02/01/2000 12:18:24 PM Pacific Standard Time,
jaxsobcon-at-norlink.net writes:

<< However, to transpose a drastic amount (which
I have heard done) destroys the feel of the character of the
piece. I've seen 2 versions of Crazy for You and one had
the lead female cast in a high lyric soprano while the second
one had her as a belty mezzo. I did prefer the more lyric
singer.
Just more subjective commentary..
Jacqueline >>


Jacqueline....isn't that the truth? I understand a company here is doing
Hello Dolly & considering a local "celebrity" for the role who happens to be
a coloratura...she was fabulous as Audrey in Little Shop & has done a
credible Mable in Pirates, but Dolly taken up the octave sounds
ridiculous....(this is, unfortunately how many high schools choose to do it,
too, rather than paying extra for the transpositions a fourth up). The
original keys were for Channing (almost a female tenor) and it is almost
impossible to find a good actress/singer with a voice that low, the
transposition up a 4th is certainly doable, since it keeps Dolly lower than
Mrs. Malloy....but a coloratura is just the wrong vocal type for the
role...jeez...I wonder if people will ever understand that some of the
"conventions" are there for very good reasons! Regards, Barbara