In a message dated 6/15/00 8:17:39 AM, lisa_molson@m... writes:
<< On Wed, 14 Jun 2000 09:13:08
Lloyd W. Hanson wrote:
>While this can be impressive, it has nothing to do with
>the performance style with which Garcia electrified Parisian audiences.
>Critics repeatedly mentioned Garcia's fire, his ease of movement on the
>stage, his 'gift of invention', his rhythmic sense, his speech-like delivery
>of recitative, the applause of the audience after his cadenzas. Being a
>true singing actor, Garcia knew how to hold the audience in the palm of his
>hand." >>
This post got me thinking about improvisation, which seems to be nearly a
vanished art in the world of classical singing.
I came out of a folk singing background, where I learned that the way you
make the song your own is to improvise some small ornaments, a variation on
the melody, etc.--something to help put your personal stamp on the music.
When I got to college (where I was not a music major but took some music
courses including voice classes and had many close friends who were voice
majors) I was surprised by the seeming "rigidity" of interpretation. The
singers were expected to perform a song or aria as written--no more, no less.
No variation. It seemed like mindless repetition to me.
Now since then, I have come to appreciate the need for discipline and
accuracy in musical performance. But I still miss the opportunity to create
my own little "variations" here and there--to add a trill or a turn, an
appogiatura or even a little cadenza where none is indicated--and not just in
arias, but in songs as well.
My question is, does anyone else feel this urge? And do you indulge
it--outside the shower, that is? How do you determine when to improvise and
when not to? I'd love to hear opinions on this one!
Judy
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