I believe Ethel Merman would have made the ranks of contralto, had she studied
and sung classically. In the original scores of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN as well as
GYPSY (1959), for instance, the songs are arranged for very low voice,
although in 1948 (ANNIE) her voice was more mezzo than contralto in sound
recordings. In the 1967 revival of ANNIE at Lincoln Center, with Bruce Yarnell
as Frank Butler, the songs were re-arranged in even lower keys for Merman, and
Berlin added the song "Old-Fashioned Wedding" to the score for the revival.
Apparently, George Gershwin counseled her in 1936 (or 1937?) with these words:
"....never take voice lessons. It will ruin your voice". She followed his
advice.
Chris
Christopher Caleffi
European Travel Specialist
ITG Travel Companies
WorldTravel Partners Affiliate
-----Original Message-----
From: Mezzoid@a... [SMTP:MIME : To: vocalist-temporary@egroups.com
Subject: Re: [vocalist-temporary] musical theater rep request
In a message dated 11/15/2000 11:03:05 PM Central Standard Time,
thomas8@t... writes:
thomas8@t... writes:
<< Hmmm....I've always considered Merman a soprano. A belter, yes, but an
alto?
>>
I personally consider most belters to be sopranos....
Christine Thomas
Wauwatosa, WI
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