Getting ready for my recital sat in the practice room, all comfy and relaxing listening to a bit of Bananarama, 'Only you can set me free, 'cos I'm guilty, guilty as a girl can be,' very happy and content singing to myself.
So I move to go and find my warm up room and accompanist, but bumped into Leanne on the way with David (the accompanist). We wished each other good luck and they went on their way so Leanne could take her chances on the dreaded RECITAL.
So I find the room, most importantly, I'd never been in this room before. So, I decided to have a nose around and found an electric drum kit in the little room next door. Two words. GET IN! Had a little play on those, had a little play around on the piano, playing some random shit and then I had to sing through some of my songs.
David returned after playing for Leanne and we had a little sing song through my songs, then just just had a little chat about the difference between singing in a church choir and being a solo artiste!
Ros summoned us to come in.
okay, this was it. Just keep cool, oh my god, it's boiling in here. Black woolen dress and blazer is no good in sunshine and high temperatures. Okay, lets forget the weather and let's sing. Eurgh, my mouth is soo dry. It's okay, let's begin.
I hand over the books and programme, and slowly and calmly walk into place.
I breathe slowly. In, then out. In, then out.
As I turn and nod to David to begin.
I really don't know how I could stand there and do what I did. I just went completely into overdrive, especially in the first song.
Comments were:
- This was a pleasant and pure sound. In general, the intonation was secure and the high notes were well supported. You decorated the da capo appropriately and you communicated expressively.
No idea how i did it. Total blur.
The second song, the really only fast song I was doing, so that couldn't come sooner enough. I really needed a drink and was so hot! But this is what it came out as.
- You obviously understand the text and the Italian is good although some consonants could be lighter (t’s are a bit wet).
yes, I know my italian isn't great thanks.
I then sang a German song which went quite well, and was alright.
But the dreaded song of the whole recital, Voi Che Sapete. Even typing it make me twitch.
Being up at 2 o'clock the night before panicking as I couldn't remember the stupid words, really made me not want to do it.
But this is what came out of it.
- This was well prepared and your interpretation was very characterful. Your legato was ofgten good but your Italian needs checking for detail
It was done. Thank. God.
The other two just seemed to fly by,
with comments of 'Good atmosphere and good German. This was a convincing interpretation. The German b’s were too dry and sounded like p’s. But this was a lovely heartfelt performance'
and 'Attractive – sweet sustained lines with some moving piano singing'
I've got some comments to work on, 'You are a naturalperformer with great vocal potential. However, at the moment, the sound is rather small and pressed and you need to use your whiole body and open up your vocal tract to create a freer and larger sound.' So plenty of work to do!
I've got some comments to work on, 'You are a naturalperformer with great vocal potential. However, at the moment, the sound is rather small and pressed and you need to use your whiole body and open up your vocal tract to create a freer and larger sound.' So plenty of work to do!
I couldn't wait to get out. I literally ran, and bought some chocolate and had a cold pint at my favourite local Leeds pub.
All good. :)
