October 10, 2015

Dear singers,

You've done very well, but now the tough work begins: Despite our initial success in making the music sound "pretty good," we're now confronting passages in which our command of notes/words/rhythms is not as strong as we might have assumed.  Monday night's rehearsal made that rather clear.  Unless we all know the music securely, independently, and without encouragement from fellow singers, we don't know it well enough.  It was evident that some singers were producing their parts timidly - and we have to address that issue every season.  With that in mind, please note the “assignments” below:


Assignment 1:  For the last three years, the initial Director’s Notes have included the following paragraph, with a quote from the beloved opera star and former FSC voice professor, Beverly Wolff.  It’s very applicable now, as well:
 
Beverly Wolff: “Sing with authority!” We’ve done fine work in our recent rehearsals and I do hope you’re allowing some mid-week time to review that work and to refresh the notes and thoughts you encountered on Mondays.  It’s no secret that uncertain singing doesn’t translate into good performance, ever. So please strive to solidify your skills in the passages we focused on at rehearsal; strive to be certain.  Sing with authority.
 
Assignment 2:  If you have time (at this late date) to write in English translation to your score of the 4th movement of the Mozart, please do. 
 
Assignment 3: If you haven’t had opportunity to hear a good performance of the Mozart, here is a wonderful and exciting one from YouTube.  It’s a little quick for us to copy tempos, perhaps, but it’s very insightful and beautifully expressed.  A nice inspiration!
 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTiR8U2d4O0

Not an “assignment,” but a great opportunity:  The Kiev Symphony Orchestra and Chorus performs Saturday (tonight) at 7 p.m., 1st Presbyterian Church, Lakeland.  They’re a fine and unusual group – and there will be NO “uncertain singing”!!  Here is a taste of their work:
 
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=552690261514521
 
Thanks for your great work!  See you on Monday,
Larry