I’m altering Scott's FriPod list a bit this week, to reflect my totally sleepy state of being on this rainy weekend. A reminder: these lists are pulled from my iTunes library; if you think I should have something else on my list, feel free to send it to me! The email on my profile page is the one I use to buy my iTunes songs, so… gift away!
1. Who Needs Sleep?, Barenaked Ladies, Stunt
2. Trouble Sleeping, Corinne Baily Rae, Corinne Baily Rae
3. She Only Sleeps, David Byrne, Grown Backwards
4. Do you Sleep?, Lisa Loeb & Nine Stories, Tails
5. Sleep Baby Jane, Over the Rhine, Eve
6. The District Sleeps Alone Tonight, The Postal Service, Give Up
7. Sleeping In, The Postal Service, Give Up
8. The Sidewinder Sleeps Tonite, R.E.M., Automatic for the People
9. Singing in my Sleep, Semisonic, Feeling Strangely Fine
10. Sleeping Lessons, The Shins, Wincing the Night Away
11. Sleep Tonight, Stars, Set Yourself on Fire
12. Fear of Sleep, The Strokes, First Impressions of Earth
13. Sleeping Bear, Sault Saint Marie, Sufjan Stevans, Greetings from Michigan
And an album:
Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack, Various Artists
Saturday, October 27, 2007
Friday, October 26, 2007
Schubert Songs
Congratulations to Tom Meglioranza on the release of his first solo CD!! Schubert Songs is available via CD Baby, and I, for one, will be ordering mine asap.
What a joy!
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Tonight, with Djordje
Nocturne Op. 5 - Despic
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 - Rachmaninov
Two Nocturnes Op. 27 - Chopin
1. c# minor
2. Db major
Fiancailles pour rire - Poulenc
La Dame d'Andre
Dans l'herbe
Il vole
Mon cadavre et doux comme un gant
Violon
Fleurs
Moment musical in Db major - Rachmaninov
Prayer
Prelude in G major
Loneliness
Prelude in g# minor
How fair this spot
No prophet I
The printed program also includes the following note:
If you choose to follow along with the text, please turn pages quietly.
Another option: skim the poems ahead of time and then just let me tell you the story...
We'll see how that works!
Tomorrow morning I'll be accompanying my lovely niece to her first opera! We'll go to the final dress rehearsal of The Magic Flute, and I think we're both very excited. I'll post a full report of both events this weekend, in between Iphigenie study sessions. Rehearsals for that start on Monday!
Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14 - Rachmaninov
Two Nocturnes Op. 27 - Chopin
1. c# minor
2. Db major
Fiancailles pour rire - Poulenc
La Dame d'Andre
Dans l'herbe
Il vole
Mon cadavre et doux comme un gant
Violon
Fleurs
Moment musical in Db major - Rachmaninov
Prayer
Prelude in G major
Loneliness
Prelude in g# minor
How fair this spot
No prophet I
The printed program also includes the following note:
If you choose to follow along with the text, please turn pages quietly.
Another option: skim the poems ahead of time and then just let me tell you the story...
We'll see how that works!
Tomorrow morning I'll be accompanying my lovely niece to her first opera! We'll go to the final dress rehearsal of The Magic Flute, and I think we're both very excited. I'll post a full report of both events this weekend, in between Iphigenie study sessions. Rehearsals for that start on Monday!
Monday, October 22, 2007
Together, separate
There was a great interview with Adrian Noble in Sunday’s NY Times in advance of tonight’s opening of Macbeth. I’ve had a few short conversations with Mr. Noble over the past few weeks, and I was already sorry I didn’t get to work with him more; this article makes me even more so! It’s been great to watch the process, though, and I hope I’ll get a chance to do more with him in the future. Tonight’s prima should be thrilling!!
One quote resonated with me, especially: “…there’s a huge difference between the way an actor approaches a part and the way a singer must approach a part,” Mr. Noble said. “Many actors say they have to learn their lines in rehearsal as they develop an interpretation. Singers know their roles cold on Day 1.” I realized this major difference between theater and opera in grad school, and I was (still am, a bit) daunted by it. I had never had to sit and try to memorize anything, because after two weeks of rehearsals with scripts in-hand I knew my lines. They secured themselves on the same pathways of my brain as my blocking and characterization; everything was formed together. Easy.
But I did get a chance to work this way in a scene’s program in grad school. I was asked to step in at the last minute (less than a week before the performance) to sing the love scene between Anne and Fenton in Vaughn-Williams Sir John in Love. (The soprano originally cast became uncomfortable with the “love” aspect of the scene…) I didn’t realize it until after the performance was over, but that week of learning music and blocking and character together was a welcome throwback to my days in theater. These days I can work on my ideas of the character, but blocking can only come after everything else is learned and memorized. (eeek!)
Time to put on some black clothes and head up the street for Macbeth! It’ll be an “LBD” tonight; there is a party afterwards, of course!
One quote resonated with me, especially: “…there’s a huge difference between the way an actor approaches a part and the way a singer must approach a part,” Mr. Noble said. “Many actors say they have to learn their lines in rehearsal as they develop an interpretation. Singers know their roles cold on Day 1.” I realized this major difference between theater and opera in grad school, and I was (still am, a bit) daunted by it. I had never had to sit and try to memorize anything, because after two weeks of rehearsals with scripts in-hand I knew my lines. They secured themselves on the same pathways of my brain as my blocking and characterization; everything was formed together. Easy.
But I did get a chance to work this way in a scene’s program in grad school. I was asked to step in at the last minute (less than a week before the performance) to sing the love scene between Anne and Fenton in Vaughn-Williams Sir John in Love. (The soprano originally cast became uncomfortable with the “love” aspect of the scene…) I didn’t realize it until after the performance was over, but that week of learning music and blocking and character together was a welcome throwback to my days in theater. These days I can work on my ideas of the character, but blocking can only come after everything else is learned and memorized. (eeek!)
Time to put on some black clothes and head up the street for Macbeth! It’ll be an “LBD” tonight; there is a party afterwards, of course!
Saturday, October 20, 2007
Macdeath (not to be confused with McBeth™)
I’ve noticed that opera folks don’t seem to have the superstition about saying the title of “that Scottish play” in the theater. It’s not one I’ve ever been particularly prickly about, either, but some people I know refuse to say it! Superstitions aside, it’s a fantastic play, brilliant opera, and this production is going to be amazing. If you’re not already doing so, check out the MetBlog for regular behind-the-scenes information and great videos of the rehearsal process.
A couple of notes from my perspective, about my experience:
There is a very cool audio-visual effect surrounding the apparition scene, and I won’t go into it here (I’ll leave the divulging of stage “secrets” to the MetBlog folks…), but what it meant for the three of us singers (Warrior (DC), Bloody Child (AE), Crowned Child (ACB)) was that we were to sing from off-stage. At first, I was disappointed, because, after all, it’s being onstage that I live for, right? But then it became something even more casual and fun – no costume! no makeup or wig! AE and I decided that we would coordinate our outfits for every show, wearing funny things like bad ball gowns or crazy costumes (especially for the Oct. 31 show!). It was fun to stand in the same spot off Stage Left where I sang my first Young Lover line in the spring. I’ve gotten to know some of the SL crew, one more way the Met feels like a “home” theater, and I enjoyed hanging out, waiting to sing my line.
But then it was decided that we would sing from the pit! Again, I was disappointed at first, but once I got down there? Wow, what an treat. Talk about experiencing a Verdi orchestra up-close and personal!! We are standing just under the lip of the stage, behind the bassoons. The brass and percussion are to my left, which means I often get blasted by some of those unexpected fortissimo chords during the apparition scene! As I learn the score, I’m getting better at anticipating and getting my ears plugged in advance. Hearing and feeling the orchestra at this proximity is thrilling. And, well, being about 15 feet from Mo. Levine and watching him at work is pretty awesome, too. I floated on air for about an hour after he gave me an “a-ok” sign and a nod the first time we got to my line…
Side note: one of the trombonists, WS, was a Fellow at Tanglewood with me in ‘03 & ’04! It was a fun surprise to run into him in the cafeteria last year. Many of the orchestra members are in my age group, which is so great to see. DC commented yesterday, when the orchestra was tuning, on how young the concertmaster was, to which I replied, “Yeah, he’s young, but I think it really just means that we’re all getting older!” It is our peers who are now holding places of honor – Music Directors, concertmasters, admins – rather than only our teachers and mentors. We are the next generation, all grown up.
One more thing about Macbeth: the costumes for the witches look far too much like my wardrobe in high school and college. Thrift store dresses with clunky shoes, gloves, old cardigans… ‘twas the ‘90s after all! Grunge, baby. I’ve mentioned this to a couple of folks, and their reactions were very different. “I’m not sure I’d admit that in public,” versus “Oh, we would have been in the same group of friends, then, ‘cuz all my girlfriends dressed like that, too!” Hot.
A couple of notes from my perspective, about my experience:
There is a very cool audio-visual effect surrounding the apparition scene, and I won’t go into it here (I’ll leave the divulging of stage “secrets” to the MetBlog folks…), but what it meant for the three of us singers (Warrior (DC), Bloody Child (AE), Crowned Child (ACB)) was that we were to sing from off-stage. At first, I was disappointed, because, after all, it’s being onstage that I live for, right? But then it became something even more casual and fun – no costume! no makeup or wig! AE and I decided that we would coordinate our outfits for every show, wearing funny things like bad ball gowns or crazy costumes (especially for the Oct. 31 show!). It was fun to stand in the same spot off Stage Left where I sang my first Young Lover line in the spring. I’ve gotten to know some of the SL crew, one more way the Met feels like a “home” theater, and I enjoyed hanging out, waiting to sing my line.
But then it was decided that we would sing from the pit! Again, I was disappointed at first, but once I got down there? Wow, what an treat. Talk about experiencing a Verdi orchestra up-close and personal!! We are standing just under the lip of the stage, behind the bassoons. The brass and percussion are to my left, which means I often get blasted by some of those unexpected fortissimo chords during the apparition scene! As I learn the score, I’m getting better at anticipating and getting my ears plugged in advance. Hearing and feeling the orchestra at this proximity is thrilling. And, well, being about 15 feet from Mo. Levine and watching him at work is pretty awesome, too. I floated on air for about an hour after he gave me an “a-ok” sign and a nod the first time we got to my line…
Side note: one of the trombonists, WS, was a Fellow at Tanglewood with me in ‘03 & ’04! It was a fun surprise to run into him in the cafeteria last year. Many of the orchestra members are in my age group, which is so great to see. DC commented yesterday, when the orchestra was tuning, on how young the concertmaster was, to which I replied, “Yeah, he’s young, but I think it really just means that we’re all getting older!” It is our peers who are now holding places of honor – Music Directors, concertmasters, admins – rather than only our teachers and mentors. We are the next generation, all grown up.
One more thing about Macbeth: the costumes for the witches look far too much like my wardrobe in high school and college. Thrift store dresses with clunky shoes, gloves, old cardigans… ‘twas the ‘90s after all! Grunge, baby. I’ve mentioned this to a couple of folks, and their reactions were very different. “I’m not sure I’d admit that in public,” versus “Oh, we would have been in the same group of friends, then, ‘cuz all my girlfriends dressed like that, too!” Hot.
Thursday, October 18, 2007
The gauntlet
I have a shopping gauntlet, of sorts, here in New York: the 66 block of Columbus Avenue. Barnes & Noble, MAC, Kiehl’s… I’m a totally goner if I walk that block with cash to burn! The timing was such today that I had both reason to walk that way (it was the only way to get from the Met to meet my friends at Harry’s!) and that I’m in a fairly “free” week of my budget (bills paid, including an advance to my manager; money into savings for the month). I’ve been putting of these purchases until I knew I had the cash, so today was the day. Such fun!
Of course, B&N was the first stop, to pick up Alex’s book. How exciting and heart-warming to hold something in my hands that we’ve all watched come into being over the past couple of years. I can only imagine how much stronger that feeling is for Alex! Congratulations, again, Mr. Ross.
MAC was next; my plan was to pick up one or two new eye shadows to spice up my makeup bag. I started going over colors with the sales girl, but soon noticed a familiar figure behind me: C, the head of the makeup department while I was at Santa Fe! We said hello and caught up quickly, and then she asked what I was looking for. I figured she was just “making chitchat,” but she walked over to the eye shadows with me and took over the search from the sales girl! She checked out my eye-color (hazely-blue, usually) and helped me settle on a great palette of four colors: a shimmery olive, a rich gold, a matte dark mauve, and a soft shimmery peach. Yes, I only went in for one or two, but MAC has these awesome mix-your-own magnetic palettes… like I said: a goner.
C gave me a few tips on how to use the colors (“Use this as your base.” “Put just a bit of this in your eye crease.” “You can use this with this, or this with that, or…”), and then, like a little makeup fairy, she was gone! It was great to have some expert help from someone who knew me a bit better than the sales girl, who was not quite getting my make-up style. I’d love to be able to wear crazy blues and dark purples, but I always just feel silly.
And this post has nothing to do with learning music or upcoming last-minute recitals… Just a bit of Thursday night shopping fun. Back to work tomorrow.
Of course, B&N was the first stop, to pick up Alex’s book. How exciting and heart-warming to hold something in my hands that we’ve all watched come into being over the past couple of years. I can only imagine how much stronger that feeling is for Alex! Congratulations, again, Mr. Ross.
MAC was next; my plan was to pick up one or two new eye shadows to spice up my makeup bag. I started going over colors with the sales girl, but soon noticed a familiar figure behind me: C, the head of the makeup department while I was at Santa Fe! We said hello and caught up quickly, and then she asked what I was looking for. I figured she was just “making chitchat,” but she walked over to the eye shadows with me and took over the search from the sales girl! She checked out my eye-color (hazely-blue, usually) and helped me settle on a great palette of four colors: a shimmery olive, a rich gold, a matte dark mauve, and a soft shimmery peach. Yes, I only went in for one or two, but MAC has these awesome mix-your-own magnetic palettes… like I said: a goner.
C gave me a few tips on how to use the colors (“Use this as your base.” “Put just a bit of this in your eye crease.” “You can use this with this, or this with that, or…”), and then, like a little makeup fairy, she was gone! It was great to have some expert help from someone who knew me a bit better than the sales girl, who was not quite getting my make-up style. I’d love to be able to wear crazy blues and dark purples, but I always just feel silly.
And this post has nothing to do with learning music or upcoming last-minute recitals… Just a bit of Thursday night shopping fun. Back to work tomorrow.
Lists
My audition book has been tweaked a bit since the summer; I’m feeling really good about “the list” this year.
Audition Arias, Winter 2007
It: Gilda; Caro nome
It, Baroque: Morgana, Tornami a vagheggiar
It, bel canto: Lucia; Regnava nel silenzio
Ger: Pamina; Ach, ich fühl’s
Fr: Manon; Adieu, notre petite table
Eng: Baby Doe; Dearest Mama
Also available; to be traded in, if needed, to tailor an audition:
It: Nannatta; Sul fin d’un soffio etesio
It: Adina; Prendi, per me sei libero
Fr: Juliette; Je veux vivre
Eng: Yum-Yum; The Sun, whose rays are all ablaze”
Also On the “Piano:”
For Oct. 25th, “pick-up” recital with Djordje Nesic at VIM:
Rachmaninoff songs and Vocalise
Poulenc, Fiancailles pour rire
maybe some Bellini songs…
For the Inaugural 5 Boroughs Music Festival concert (Nov. 1):
John Musto, “Litany”
selections from Alan Smith’s “Vignettes: Ellis Island”
Brahms, Liebeslieder Waltzes
To keep fresh, “just in case:”
Judd Greenstein, Hillula
Met assignments:
Iphigenie en Tauride, 1st Priestess/Greek Woman
Hansel & Gretel, Dew Fairy
War & Peace, French Actress
Macbeth Apparition and Barbarina, of course
For February recording and tour:
Evan Chambers, The Old Burying Ground
A few scores for potential gigs, acquainting myself with roles
And always:
Le nozze di Figaro!!
Audition Arias, Winter 2007
It: Gilda; Caro nome
It, Baroque: Morgana, Tornami a vagheggiar
It, bel canto: Lucia; Regnava nel silenzio
Ger: Pamina; Ach, ich fühl’s
Fr: Manon; Adieu, notre petite table
Eng: Baby Doe; Dearest Mama
Also available; to be traded in, if needed, to tailor an audition:
It: Nannatta; Sul fin d’un soffio etesio
It: Adina; Prendi, per me sei libero
Fr: Juliette; Je veux vivre
Eng: Yum-Yum; The Sun, whose rays are all ablaze”
Also On the “Piano:”
For Oct. 25th, “pick-up” recital with Djordje Nesic at VIM:
Rachmaninoff songs and Vocalise
Poulenc, Fiancailles pour rire
maybe some Bellini songs…
For the Inaugural 5 Boroughs Music Festival concert (Nov. 1):
John Musto, “Litany”
selections from Alan Smith’s “Vignettes: Ellis Island”
Brahms, Liebeslieder Waltzes
To keep fresh, “just in case:”
Judd Greenstein, Hillula
Met assignments:
Iphigenie en Tauride, 1st Priestess/Greek Woman
Hansel & Gretel, Dew Fairy
War & Peace, French Actress
Macbeth Apparition and Barbarina, of course
For February recording and tour:
Evan Chambers, The Old Burying Ground
A few scores for potential gigs, acquainting myself with roles
And always:
Le nozze di Figaro!!
Quotes
I got this in an email yesterday, from IB, the lovely and talented wife of LZ. She said I could post it as a comment on the "Check check" post, but I thought I'd give it a spot on the front page.
She writes: "It must be true what you said about musicianship is what really counts. When I first encountered you in [Golijov's St. Mark] Passion, I was first blown away by your performance. The reason I wound up talking to you was because I also loved your dress (and I was in the market for white dresses at the time ;). And only then I discovered your ubiquitous online persona, which I follow to this day. So at least for me it was definitely what you would call the ideal marketing trajectory - first voice, dress second, and reading your blog when I have the time."
On a day like yesterday, hearing this was so nice! I thought a bit of real-world, unsolicited input would help drive home my earlier points.
Another quote, this one from my Gmail Web Clip Quote of the Day:
"You create your opportunities by asking for them." -Shakti Gawain.
Don't know who that is, but I agree!! And that's what I'm working on now, with Bhakti, with auditions, with my life.
She writes: "It must be true what you said about musicianship is what really counts. When I first encountered you in [Golijov's St. Mark] Passion, I was first blown away by your performance. The reason I wound up talking to you was because I also loved your dress (and I was in the market for white dresses at the time ;). And only then I discovered your ubiquitous online persona, which I follow to this day. So at least for me it was definitely what you would call the ideal marketing trajectory - first voice, dress second, and reading your blog when I have the time."
On a day like yesterday, hearing this was so nice! I thought a bit of real-world, unsolicited input would help drive home my earlier points.
Another quote, this one from my Gmail Web Clip Quote of the Day:
"You create your opportunities by asking for them." -Shakti Gawain.
Don't know who that is, but I agree!! And that's what I'm working on now, with Bhakti, with auditions, with my life.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Who knew?
Who knew that the cure for a really lousy day was a voice lesson?
Today was one of those days that just never really got off the ground. I rarely have bad days, I’m an optimist and an idealist, you know this. But today? I just wanted to go back to bed. About every two hours I would think that: “When do I get to crawl under my covers?”
Because I’m an optimist, I often disregard things that are bothering me, choosing instead to think that they’ll just get better. And often they do! But sometimes the proverbial shit* hits the fan, and I have to face the music. Some of the things today are personal, but there was professional stuff, too: frustration that Bhakti fundraising is (way) behind schedule, disappointment that a possible Hillula performance has had to be postponed, even (gasp!) some professional jealousy.
But after a much-needed dinner with JD and finally getting some stuff talked about, I move on, this time with a plan. Well, the start of new plans.
1. A mailing list campaign for The Bhakti Project. I jumped in so far over my head with this thing, it is not even funny. I have more contacts in New York now, though, and I’m getting more help and advice about how to proceed. I’ve reset my short-term goal, focusing on raising the rest of the commission fee: $4000. I can totally do that. We’ll worry about the recording later…
2. JD and I, together with Judd, are back to the drawing board / brainstorming for performance opportunities for Hillula. We’re also workshopping it, a bit, working together to find its final incarnation. We all love the piece, and we want it to have the opportunities it deserves. So, I say again: stay tuned.
3. The successes of my friends and colleagues should help motivate me in these endeavors. I see how their hard work has paid off and am reminded that maybe I can do more. Nothing comes to us in this business without a little hustle, so it’s time to “hustle my bustle,” as my mom would say. Bustle hustling!
Even with all of this, this new outlook, I was still seriously weighed down. I had a voice lesson scheduled for 8pm, and I thought about canceling, but it was too late to do so without having to pay for it any way. I figured I might as well go; worst case, we’d just talk about rep.
Well, glory be, if things didn’t just go swimmingly! We worked our normal half hour of technique tweaking; this is the first time I’ve been with a teacher long enough that I can really tell that working “his” technique is helping, that things are “sticking.” It felt so good. Then we started on the things I had in my bag: Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise (can anyone tell me why I haven’t sung this until now?!) and a couple of songs, the Dew Fairy aria from Hansel & Gretel, and then we pulled out my audition book. I showed him what I’ve been taking in these days, and he gave everything the green light. But then I said, “What do you think about substituting a Manon aria for the Juliette?”
He agreed, and then suggested her first aria, “Je suis encore étourdie.” The thing about Manon – and this is true of many opera heroines – is that the vocal writing starts out fairly light – young, sweet – and progresses in heaviness to the end of the opera, usually expressing her demise. Gilda, Juliette, Mimi (?). I said that I was hesitant to offer that first aria, since I would be afraid the audition panel would hear it and think “Well, that’s pretty, but does she have the voice for the end?” I’m still learning to embrace this fuller voice that has shown up this year, still shedding the mental skin of the “soubrette” label. Me? Manon? Can I sing “Adieu notre petite table?”
Yes. Yes, I can. Say hello to my new French aria.
By the time we wrapped up, I felt so much better. Clearer of head, lighter of heart. I love to sing. It makes me feel good. And yet, it is often very hard to sing when I’m upset. Heh, often? Always. Unless it’s a performance that I can totally immerse myself in, I hate singing when I’m upset. But I think I need to remember this evening and how much that hour of opening my heart brought me joy, how immersing myself in the music lifted my spirits. And so much better for me than a pint of Pomegranate Chip Haagen-Dazs!
* I think this is the first official swear word on The Concert… I’m sorry; I just couldn’t think of a better metaphor! It was that kind of day. Call me a bad writer.
Today was one of those days that just never really got off the ground. I rarely have bad days, I’m an optimist and an idealist, you know this. But today? I just wanted to go back to bed. About every two hours I would think that: “When do I get to crawl under my covers?”
Because I’m an optimist, I often disregard things that are bothering me, choosing instead to think that they’ll just get better. And often they do! But sometimes the proverbial shit* hits the fan, and I have to face the music. Some of the things today are personal, but there was professional stuff, too: frustration that Bhakti fundraising is (way) behind schedule, disappointment that a possible Hillula performance has had to be postponed, even (gasp!) some professional jealousy.
But after a much-needed dinner with JD and finally getting some stuff talked about, I move on, this time with a plan. Well, the start of new plans.
1. A mailing list campaign for The Bhakti Project. I jumped in so far over my head with this thing, it is not even funny. I have more contacts in New York now, though, and I’m getting more help and advice about how to proceed. I’ve reset my short-term goal, focusing on raising the rest of the commission fee: $4000. I can totally do that. We’ll worry about the recording later…
2. JD and I, together with Judd, are back to the drawing board / brainstorming for performance opportunities for Hillula. We’re also workshopping it, a bit, working together to find its final incarnation. We all love the piece, and we want it to have the opportunities it deserves. So, I say again: stay tuned.
3. The successes of my friends and colleagues should help motivate me in these endeavors. I see how their hard work has paid off and am reminded that maybe I can do more. Nothing comes to us in this business without a little hustle, so it’s time to “hustle my bustle,” as my mom would say. Bustle hustling!
Even with all of this, this new outlook, I was still seriously weighed down. I had a voice lesson scheduled for 8pm, and I thought about canceling, but it was too late to do so without having to pay for it any way. I figured I might as well go; worst case, we’d just talk about rep.
Well, glory be, if things didn’t just go swimmingly! We worked our normal half hour of technique tweaking; this is the first time I’ve been with a teacher long enough that I can really tell that working “his” technique is helping, that things are “sticking.” It felt so good. Then we started on the things I had in my bag: Rachmaninoff’s Vocalise (can anyone tell me why I haven’t sung this until now?!) and a couple of songs, the Dew Fairy aria from Hansel & Gretel, and then we pulled out my audition book. I showed him what I’ve been taking in these days, and he gave everything the green light. But then I said, “What do you think about substituting a Manon aria for the Juliette?”
He agreed, and then suggested her first aria, “Je suis encore étourdie.” The thing about Manon – and this is true of many opera heroines – is that the vocal writing starts out fairly light – young, sweet – and progresses in heaviness to the end of the opera, usually expressing her demise. Gilda, Juliette, Mimi (?). I said that I was hesitant to offer that first aria, since I would be afraid the audition panel would hear it and think “Well, that’s pretty, but does she have the voice for the end?” I’m still learning to embrace this fuller voice that has shown up this year, still shedding the mental skin of the “soubrette” label. Me? Manon? Can I sing “Adieu notre petite table?”
Yes. Yes, I can. Say hello to my new French aria.
By the time we wrapped up, I felt so much better. Clearer of head, lighter of heart. I love to sing. It makes me feel good. And yet, it is often very hard to sing when I’m upset. Heh, often? Always. Unless it’s a performance that I can totally immerse myself in, I hate singing when I’m upset. But I think I need to remember this evening and how much that hour of opening my heart brought me joy, how immersing myself in the music lifted my spirits. And so much better for me than a pint of Pomegranate Chip Haagen-Dazs!
* I think this is the first official swear word on The Concert… I’m sorry; I just couldn’t think of a better metaphor! It was that kind of day. Call me a bad writer.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Check, check
I got an email yesterday afternoon from one of the producers of WNYC’s daily music show, Soundcheck asking me if I’d be interested in joining a discussion about marketing classical musicians – for today’s show! We exchanged a few emails and phone calls about coordinating things and potential topics for discussion, and then at 1:45 today I did a phone check and we were on – live!
I had to be at the Met for a potential brush-up rehearsal, so we conducted the interview via phone from my dressing room. I was officially released from rehearsal just as we were getting started, so I was able to relax and not worry about having to cut things short and run to the stage (to the pit, actually, but more about that soon).
Joining me in a “round table” discussion with our host, John Schaefer, were pianist Jonathan Biss and publicist Albert Imperato. (Oops, I just realized that I referred to Albert as “Alberto” at one point, combining his names! Sorry, Albert, if you’re reading!)
If you’d like to hear what we all have to say about cultivating (or not) an image as a classical musician, you can listen on the website or download the podcast from iTunes. It was a fun and interesting conversation, one that could have continued much longer than the 20 minutes or so we had today. One point I will reiterate here is something that was said a few different ways on the program: no matter how polished or well-thought-out or “hip” your image is, what the audience is really coming to experience is your musicianship. If I can’t sing with artistry, it doesn’t matter how stylish I am; if I can’t move you with my voice, writing an interesting blog isn’t going to help. But there’s no reason I can’t aim for all of it!
Which leads me to the fact that this morning I was faced with the question: what do you wear for a radio interview? In reality, it doesn’t matter; I just dressed for another day, but I chose to wear my purple dress to help celebrate ROCKTOBERFEST!!!!!! Thanks to AG for the heads’ up on that great article. This is a season for the record books, my friends.
Welcome to all the visitors finding their way here from the WNYC site! Make yourselves at home: please explore the archives; check out my friends and colleagues on the blogroll; learn about The Bhakti Project, my collaboration with Jocelyn Dueck and Judd Greenstein which I mentioned in the interview. Please consider making a donation!
Teaser: tomorrow I’ll announce the next performance of Hillula, Judd’s gorgeous piece. It’s soon!! Stay tuned...
I had to be at the Met for a potential brush-up rehearsal, so we conducted the interview via phone from my dressing room. I was officially released from rehearsal just as we were getting started, so I was able to relax and not worry about having to cut things short and run to the stage (to the pit, actually, but more about that soon).
Joining me in a “round table” discussion with our host, John Schaefer, were pianist Jonathan Biss and publicist Albert Imperato. (Oops, I just realized that I referred to Albert as “Alberto” at one point, combining his names! Sorry, Albert, if you’re reading!)
If you’d like to hear what we all have to say about cultivating (or not) an image as a classical musician, you can listen on the website or download the podcast from iTunes. It was a fun and interesting conversation, one that could have continued much longer than the 20 minutes or so we had today. One point I will reiterate here is something that was said a few different ways on the program: no matter how polished or well-thought-out or “hip” your image is, what the audience is really coming to experience is your musicianship. If I can’t sing with artistry, it doesn’t matter how stylish I am; if I can’t move you with my voice, writing an interesting blog isn’t going to help. But there’s no reason I can’t aim for all of it!
Which leads me to the fact that this morning I was faced with the question: what do you wear for a radio interview? In reality, it doesn’t matter; I just dressed for another day, but I chose to wear my purple dress to help celebrate ROCKTOBERFEST!!!!!! Thanks to AG for the heads’ up on that great article. This is a season for the record books, my friends.
Welcome to all the visitors finding their way here from the WNYC site! Make yourselves at home: please explore the archives; check out my friends and colleagues on the blogroll; learn about The Bhakti Project, my collaboration with Jocelyn Dueck and Judd Greenstein which I mentioned in the interview. Please consider making a donation!
Lame
Ok, I don't know how this escaped my Blogroll updates for so long, but I need to finally link to Deceptively Simple, Marc Geelhoed's Chicago-based music and culture blog. Marc writes for Time Out Chicago, and has become a "friend in the computer" over the past year as we have shared losses and talked shop.
I look forward to another blogger meet-up someday with more of the Chicago contingency present!
I look forward to another blogger meet-up someday with more of the Chicago contingency present!
Monday, October 15, 2007
FriPod bonus edition: For the Birds
I’ll accept Patty’s challenge for the playlist, although I really have no classical music to add to Scott’s great list. Unless, of course, you consider anything sung by me to be applicable!
I’ll represent the Eclectic Pop study group. We can compare our results against the Classical group and the Control group see who the happier birds are.
1. Bird on the Wire, Leonard Cohen, The Best of LC
2. Birds, Over the Rhine, Eve
3. Bye bye blackbird, Joe Cocker, Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack
4. Songbird, Eva Cassidy, Songbird
5. Caged Bird, Alicia Keys, Songs in A Minor
* 6. Bird Gerhl, Antony & The Johnsons, I Am A Bird Now
* 7. Birdless, The Innocence Mission, Birds of My Neighborhood
*^ 8. The Bird, Charlie Parker, Bird: The Original Recordings of Charlie Parker
*^ 9. Between Roof & Bird, Henry Sparrow. This is a friend of a friend, so I don't know the album, or if there is one, but I love this song. (He does appear to have an album that fits the theme, though: Bird Songs. Check it out.)
Artists: The Dixie Chicks
Andrew Bird (particularly his album: The Mysterious Production of Eggs in the Night Time. Seriously, what more could those biddies want?!)
* Also eligible under the “Album” category.
^ Also eligible under the “Artist” category.
I’ll represent the Eclectic Pop study group. We can compare our results against the Classical group and the Control group see who the happier birds are.
1. Bird on the Wire, Leonard Cohen, The Best of LC
2. Birds, Over the Rhine, Eve
3. Bye bye blackbird, Joe Cocker, Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack
4. Songbird, Eva Cassidy, Songbird
5. Caged Bird, Alicia Keys, Songs in A Minor
* 6. Bird Gerhl, Antony & The Johnsons, I Am A Bird Now
* 7. Birdless, The Innocence Mission, Birds of My Neighborhood
*^ 8. The Bird, Charlie Parker, Bird: The Original Recordings of Charlie Parker
*^ 9. Between Roof & Bird, Henry Sparrow. This is a friend of a friend, so I don't know the album, or if there is one, but I love this song. (He does appear to have an album that fits the theme, though: Bird Songs. Check it out.)
Artists: The Dixie Chicks
Andrew Bird (particularly his album: The Mysterious Production of Eggs in the Night Time. Seriously, what more could those biddies want?!)
* Also eligible under the “Album” category.
^ Also eligible under the “Artist” category.
Where are you from?
I hate this question. I know I've talked about it here before, but it’s a tough one for me. Growing up in the military and the daughter of two military brats, I don’t have a “hometown” in the usual sense. And yet, I often have to come up with an answer, as organizations love to have the information for programs or donor info or their records. In the past couple of years I’ve listed NYC; Athens, GA; and Boulder, CO, as “hometown,” since they all are, in a way. The website for the 5 Boroughs Music Festival lists my hometown as “Everyville, USA.” I love that one…
But I had a revelation last week: When one follows sports teams from a certain city, when one cares so much about seeing said teams that she goes across the street and hangs out at the sports bar alone on a Saturday or Monday… does this mean one is “from” that city? Hmmm. Maybe I’m from Colorado after all!
GO ROCKIES!!!!!
Get out your brooms, ya’ll.
But I had a revelation last week: When one follows sports teams from a certain city, when one cares so much about seeing said teams that she goes across the street and hangs out at the sports bar alone on a Saturday or Monday… does this mean one is “from” that city? Hmmm. Maybe I’m from Colorado after all!
GO ROCKIES!!!!!
Get out your brooms, ya’ll.
Friday, October 12, 2007
Shimmering, Sparkling
What do Rachmaninoff, The National, and red skinny jeans have in common? They were all part of my night last night, making for a great NYC experience.
Looking again, I guess that opener should be more along the lines of “one of these things is not like the other,” since skinny jeans and indie rock go together like classical music recitals and formal gowns. Ummm…. wait a minute.
Last night I sang on another concert in the VIM series at a great little gallery in Tribeca. This series has always (in its now two seasons of existence) been about breaking the mold, so to speak, of chamber music and recital presentation. I talked with several people throughout the night about this, musicians and non-musicians alike, and we all seemed excited about this trend towards making chamber music intimate and familiar again. I’m sure people have been talking of the “rebirth of the salon” for a while now, but I know that among my peers, we’re doing our damndest to make it happen.
So, to that end… I looked at my schedule for the evening: sing Rachmaninoff songs in a recital in Tribeca at 7pm, then hoof it uptown to catch The National give the inaugural concert at Terminal 5, the new venue operated by The Bowery Presents. It was rainy and gross, so I wanted to carry as little as possible with me, which meant: no change of clothes. What could I wear that would be appropriate for both events?
I checked in with Kimball, the recital’s host, to see how he’d feel about something a little less than standard, and as I hoped, he was all for it. A few weeks ago, I picked up an amazing vintage sequined top at a church sidewalk sale: black and silver, a big butterfly design on the front and back, loose-fitting and fun. When I saw it, I thought, “That is either the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen, or the coolest!” Since it was $5, I bought it, immediately picturing it with skinny red jeans and black heels. Disco lives, babies! I found the jeans at Urban Outfitters, of course, and voila! Hipster recitalist.
I cannot tell you how much fun it was to perform in that venue, for those people, in those clothes. It was so relaxed, so comfortable, so intimate – but not a drop of professionalism or musicianship was lost at any moment, by any of the performers. Intimate doesn’t have to mean sloppy, relaxed doesn’t have to mean lazy. There were no program notes or translations, so I got to introduce each song, further breaking the wall of formality. (There were some Russians, in the house, incidentally, and they said they understood every word! Phew!!) I met some great new colleagues and friends, and discussions were begun about possible future performances (stay tuned for news of a possible Bhakti revival!).
It goes without saying that the concert uptown was awesome. I had no idea a violin could rock like that… And JD and I got to see the first champagne spilled on the stage at this fantastic new venue, which just happens to be five blocks from my house. I’ll see The Shins there in two weeks! A midnight snack at the diner up the street – where we were joined by a dear friend & colleague who had his own performance in Midtown that evening – and a brisk walk home through the October mist wrapped up what was an unforgettable night. Friends, Fashion, Food, indeed. Oh yeah, and music, too… Fabulous.
Oh, and? The evening was professionally videotaped (taped? what do we call this now?!), so stay tuned for some YouTube action. See the sequins in all their glory!!
**Disclaimer, NIB, etc: I'm not at all proposing that we do away with the formal concert gown! Far from it; you know I love me some Badgley Mischka. If I am ever lucky enough to present a recital in Weill or Alice Tully, you can bet I'll be glammed out to the max! But, every now and then, let's relax a bit; let's bring some rock star glamour to this fantastic art form.
Looking again, I guess that opener should be more along the lines of “one of these things is not like the other,” since skinny jeans and indie rock go together like classical music recitals and formal gowns. Ummm…. wait a minute.
Last night I sang on another concert in the VIM series at a great little gallery in Tribeca. This series has always (in its now two seasons of existence) been about breaking the mold, so to speak, of chamber music and recital presentation. I talked with several people throughout the night about this, musicians and non-musicians alike, and we all seemed excited about this trend towards making chamber music intimate and familiar again. I’m sure people have been talking of the “rebirth of the salon” for a while now, but I know that among my peers, we’re doing our damndest to make it happen.
So, to that end… I looked at my schedule for the evening: sing Rachmaninoff songs in a recital in Tribeca at 7pm, then hoof it uptown to catch The National give the inaugural concert at Terminal 5, the new venue operated by The Bowery Presents. It was rainy and gross, so I wanted to carry as little as possible with me, which meant: no change of clothes. What could I wear that would be appropriate for both events?
I checked in with Kimball, the recital’s host, to see how he’d feel about something a little less than standard, and as I hoped, he was all for it. A few weeks ago, I picked up an amazing vintage sequined top at a church sidewalk sale: black and silver, a big butterfly design on the front and back, loose-fitting and fun. When I saw it, I thought, “That is either the ugliest thing I’ve ever seen, or the coolest!” Since it was $5, I bought it, immediately picturing it with skinny red jeans and black heels. Disco lives, babies! I found the jeans at Urban Outfitters, of course, and voila! Hipster recitalist.
I cannot tell you how much fun it was to perform in that venue, for those people, in those clothes. It was so relaxed, so comfortable, so intimate – but not a drop of professionalism or musicianship was lost at any moment, by any of the performers. Intimate doesn’t have to mean sloppy, relaxed doesn’t have to mean lazy. There were no program notes or translations, so I got to introduce each song, further breaking the wall of formality. (There were some Russians, in the house, incidentally, and they said they understood every word! Phew!!) I met some great new colleagues and friends, and discussions were begun about possible future performances (stay tuned for news of a possible Bhakti revival!).
It goes without saying that the concert uptown was awesome. I had no idea a violin could rock like that… And JD and I got to see the first champagne spilled on the stage at this fantastic new venue, which just happens to be five blocks from my house. I’ll see The Shins there in two weeks! A midnight snack at the diner up the street – where we were joined by a dear friend & colleague who had his own performance in Midtown that evening – and a brisk walk home through the October mist wrapped up what was an unforgettable night. Friends, Fashion, Food, indeed. Oh yeah, and music, too… Fabulous.
Oh, and? The evening was professionally videotaped (taped? what do we call this now?!), so stay tuned for some YouTube action. See the sequins in all their glory!!
**Disclaimer, NIB, etc: I'm not at all proposing that we do away with the formal concert gown! Far from it; you know I love me some Badgley Mischka. If I am ever lucky enough to present a recital in Weill or Alice Tully, you can bet I'll be glammed out to the max! But, every now and then, let's relax a bit; let's bring some rock star glamour to this fantastic art form.
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
FriPod: The States
1. California, Joni Mitchell, Blue
2. California, Rufus Wainwright, Poses
3. California, Semisonic, Feeling Strangely Fine
4. Carolina; Ben Gibbard; Home, Vol. 5
5. Caroline, Billy Pilgrim, Bloom
6. Midnight Train to Georgia, Gladys Knight & the Pips, ??
7. Going Back to Georgia, Nancy Griffith, Flyer
8. Sodom, South Georgia; Iron & Wine; Our Endless Numbered Days
9. Louisiana, written by Randy Newman, performed by Seattle Black Box cabaret
10. Sweet Louisiana Sound, Billy Pilgrim, Bloom
11. I happen to like New York; Bing Crosby, maybe?
12. The Boy from New York City, The Ad Libs, Wonder Women: The History of the Girl Group Sound
13. New York State of Mind, Billy Joel, Essential Billy Joel
14. North Dakota, Lyle Lovett, Joshua Judges Ruth
15. Why did I ever leave Ohio?, Wonderful Town cast recording
16. Deadwood, South Dakota; Nancy Griffith; One Fair Summer Evening
17. Tennessee, Shawn Colvin, Fat City
18. That’s Right, You’re Not From Texas, Lyle Lovett, Road to Ensenada
And two albums, by Sufjan, of course:
Come On Feel the Illinoise!
Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State
Honorable Mention Album:
Californication, Red Hot Chili Peppers
2. California, Rufus Wainwright, Poses
3. California, Semisonic, Feeling Strangely Fine
4. Carolina; Ben Gibbard; Home, Vol. 5
5. Caroline, Billy Pilgrim, Bloom
6. Midnight Train to Georgia, Gladys Knight & the Pips, ??
7. Going Back to Georgia, Nancy Griffith, Flyer
8. Sodom, South Georgia; Iron & Wine; Our Endless Numbered Days
9. Louisiana, written by Randy Newman, performed by Seattle Black Box cabaret
10. Sweet Louisiana Sound, Billy Pilgrim, Bloom
11. I happen to like New York; Bing Crosby, maybe?
12. The Boy from New York City, The Ad Libs, Wonder Women: The History of the Girl Group Sound
13. New York State of Mind, Billy Joel, Essential Billy Joel
14. North Dakota, Lyle Lovett, Joshua Judges Ruth
15. Why did I ever leave Ohio?, Wonderful Town cast recording
16. Deadwood, South Dakota; Nancy Griffith; One Fair Summer Evening
17. Tennessee, Shawn Colvin, Fat City
18. That’s Right, You’re Not From Texas, Lyle Lovett, Road to Ensenada
And two albums, by Sufjan, of course:
Come On Feel the Illinoise!
Greetings From Michigan: The Great Lakes State
Honorable Mention Album:
Californication, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Volpone pics
Finally got some pictures from Volpone up on my website! You can check them out here: ACB.com Photo Page.
As I continue to dream up the next incarnation of my website, a more streamlined photo page is definitely on the list of "must haves." Incorporating this blog into ACB.com, is on the list, too, I think. Major overhaul!! Bring it on.
Those of you in Boulder, ask my parents if they remember seeing this look ever... I was a "histrionic" child, afterall! (Love you, Dad!)
FriPod on Wednesday coming up...
As I continue to dream up the next incarnation of my website, a more streamlined photo page is definitely on the list of "must haves." Incorporating this blog into ACB.com, is on the list, too, I think. Major overhaul!! Bring it on.
Those of you in Boulder, ask my parents if they remember seeing this look ever... I was a "histrionic" child, afterall! (Love you, Dad!)
FriPod on Wednesday coming up...
Monday, October 08, 2007
Two little birds
Today my neighbors will be a bit confused, because they’ll be hearing not one but TWO lyric sopranos warming up and preparing for auditions.
Yep, this weekend I’ve been lucky enough to play host to my dear friend RC, who is in town for a quick audition before heading back home to Houston. We’ve had great talks about rep and auditions and jobs and job (in)security, as well as catching each other up on all the wonderful things our colleagues are up to. I’m sad she has to leave this evening!
I often wonder what my neighbors think when they hear me singing. My closest neighbors, the ones next door, know me, but I wonder what folks who don’t know me think. Are they annoyed? Do they like it? Do they wonder what I look like?
I learned one neighbor’s thoughts last week, when we stopped in very non-NYC fashion and chatted a bit on the sidewalk. He’s an actor, and when I told him I was an opera singer he said, “Oh, is that you I hear singing in the afternoons?” When I said yes, likely, he said that I didn’t fit at all with his image of the person that went with the voice.
“I thought you were…”
“Fat?”
“No, not fat, but…” (holds his hands in front of his chest)
“Buxom?”
“Yeah! And with dark hair, maybe down past your shoulders, kind of Mediterranean looking. You look so… English.”
So, apparently, there’s a bit of Carmen in my voice these days! Hot.
Audition today, then rehearsing Rachmaninoff with KG for the recital on Thursday night. This will be part of the same VIM series that presented the Bhakti recital in May. I’ll post more info soon, and send an email to my NYC mailing list, but for now, if you’d like to hear some piano chamber music and you’ll be in NYC on Thursday night, come down to TriBeCa!
After rehearsal, drinks with bloggers! We’re having our first NYC music blogger meet-up, of sorts, in honor of M.C-’s short trip to the city. Rest assured there will be bourbon…
Yep, this weekend I’ve been lucky enough to play host to my dear friend RC, who is in town for a quick audition before heading back home to Houston. We’ve had great talks about rep and auditions and jobs and job (in)security, as well as catching each other up on all the wonderful things our colleagues are up to. I’m sad she has to leave this evening!
I often wonder what my neighbors think when they hear me singing. My closest neighbors, the ones next door, know me, but I wonder what folks who don’t know me think. Are they annoyed? Do they like it? Do they wonder what I look like?
I learned one neighbor’s thoughts last week, when we stopped in very non-NYC fashion and chatted a bit on the sidewalk. He’s an actor, and when I told him I was an opera singer he said, “Oh, is that you I hear singing in the afternoons?” When I said yes, likely, he said that I didn’t fit at all with his image of the person that went with the voice.
“I thought you were…”
“Fat?”
“No, not fat, but…” (holds his hands in front of his chest)
“Buxom?”
“Yeah! And with dark hair, maybe down past your shoulders, kind of Mediterranean looking. You look so… English.”
So, apparently, there’s a bit of Carmen in my voice these days! Hot.
Audition today, then rehearsing Rachmaninoff with KG for the recital on Thursday night. This will be part of the same VIM series that presented the Bhakti recital in May. I’ll post more info soon, and send an email to my NYC mailing list, but for now, if you’d like to hear some piano chamber music and you’ll be in NYC on Thursday night, come down to TriBeCa!
After rehearsal, drinks with bloggers! We’re having our first NYC music blogger meet-up, of sorts, in honor of M.C-’s short trip to the city. Rest assured there will be bourbon…
Thursday, October 04, 2007
Wednesday, October 03, 2007
A dose
In the last 24 hours or so I’ve gotten a couple of reminders that nothing in this career is guaranteed, that I can take nothing for granted. Just some disappointing news – a offered gig I can’t accept and not making the first round a competition I really want to do this year – nothing earth-shattering or devastating or career-ending by any means. A dose of reality.
These little “reminders” seem to come along every so often, and as disappointing as they are, they do help put things into perspective. This is my Job; I have to Work for the things I want! They don’t just come knocking on the door uninvited.
So, back to work! Yesterday I did some updating of my website, adding some performance info and finally getting a working link for Regnava on the Downloads page. (Also there: links to buy Ainadamar and Long Road Home via Amazon.) The recording of Regnava is about a year old now; I’m hoping to get a few new things recorded this fall. Something else to add to the “to do” list!
I’ll get some new pictures up on the site today, I hope. There are some great shots from Volpone, and, of course, the new headshots. Today I’ll be playing with Photoshop and Dreamweaver in between playing with Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Chambers, and Mozart…
These little “reminders” seem to come along every so often, and as disappointing as they are, they do help put things into perspective. This is my Job; I have to Work for the things I want! They don’t just come knocking on the door uninvited.
So, back to work! Yesterday I did some updating of my website, adding some performance info and finally getting a working link for Regnava on the Downloads page. (Also there: links to buy Ainadamar and Long Road Home via Amazon.) The recording of Regnava is about a year old now; I’m hoping to get a few new things recorded this fall. Something else to add to the “to do” list!
I’ll get some new pictures up on the site today, I hope. There are some great shots from Volpone, and, of course, the new headshots. Today I’ll be playing with Photoshop and Dreamweaver in between playing with Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Chambers, and Mozart…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
