Date sent: Tue, 8 Feb 2000 13:48:41 EST
Subject: Re: Arias Transposed?
To: vocalist
Send reply to: VOCALIST <vocalist>

do we accept transpositions of art songs because we are used to it? do we
really think schumann, a once noted pianist didn't really care what key his
piano accompinaments were played in? do we really think that destroying the
key scheme in 'dichterliebe' when we transpose it is something acceptable to
schumann? apparently so. this practice is very common. it is applauded by
audiences. it is fostered by voice teachers and has become acceptable. if
usage is the rule, then all we need do is continue transposing arias until
it, too, is a rule. jack benny once said 'three times is funny'. so, if you
do something wrong, do it twice more and, at least the audience will laugh.

mike