Vocalist.org archive


From:  Ian Belsey <Idbelsey@y...>
Ian Belsey <Idbelsey@y...>
Date:  Fri Nov 10, 2000  12:53 am
Subject:  Re: [vocalist-temporary] G&S for a Musical Theatre Mezzo?


Jenny,

Wonderful that you want to sing some G & S. It really
is excellent for keeping a voice in trim. I would
rather use Sullivan than Mozart for this purpose!!
Added to that, Gilbert's wonderful words which are to
be dictioned with relish!!

If I were you, steer clear of the old bag arias in the
G & S canon, they really are for a contralto voice,
and a mezzo doesn't quite sound right in them. Some
lovely mezzo things there are to be had for instance,
Phoebe's opening number from Yeomen of the Guard: When
Maiden Loves is a lovely melody. It's in D flat in the
score, but there are some Charles Mackerras editions
in E Flat and that quite ruins it!

Tessa's When A Merry Maiden Marries from the
Gondoliers.

Iolanthe's Aria from would you believe, Iolanthe.

Mad Margarets Aria from Ruddigorre.

The Woman of the Wisest Wit from Princess Ida.

Take Care of him from The Grand Duke.

These are the ones I can think of for now. If I get
anymore in my head, I'll let you know!! I hope you
have fun learning these wonderful melodies.

Best Wishes,

Ian Voice wrecker to the stars and ex member of the
D'Oyly Carte Opera Co to boot!!

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