Vocalist.org archive


From:  Mezzoid@a...
Date:  Sat Jan 26, 2002  5:03 pm
Subject:  Re: [vocalist] ornamentation

In a message dated 01/25/2002 9:11:13 PM Central Standard Time,
LeaAnn@k... writes:

<< Can anyone tell me if there are any guidelines or rules in ornamentation?
Ornamentation ususally happen on a portamento right? For those of you that
like ornamentation or do it...do you just improv off the top of your head or
do you use a tried and true plan of attack? I am sort of stumped I have
tried it a few times with Lascia Ch'io Pianga (Handel) and don't ever seem to
get back down to the note at the end of the portamento...I just fly off
somewhere and end up sounded really silly. Can someone provide more info?
>>

I think you mean a fermata. Know your harmonies. Know what's happening
underneath you in the accompaniment. (This is where theory comes in handy!)
Ornamentation should be true to the period but most importantly, show off
those areas of the voice that you want to show off. Listen to recordings of
Baroque music and get ideas and play.

Christine Thomas
Wauwatosa, WI
<A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/mezzoid/myhomepage/profile.html">
http://hometown.aol.com/mezzoid/myhomepage/profile.html</A>

"I love to sing-a, about the moon-a and the June-a and the spring-a"



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