| Dear Ed and all TMers,
The fact that you lose the text in a transcription is one of the more exciting parts of performing vocal literature I find. In studying the text, phrasing, and diction of the languages, I find that I am challenged to be more creative with my tone color.
For instance, this week I've been looking at Ravel's setting of the Jewish memorial prayer, the Kaddish. I've heard this prayer recited, chanted, sung, etc in temple for as long as I can remember and have a very clear conception of the diction. This greatly affects my approach to this piece. I see that as a positive aspect of the study of vocal literature rather than a detraction. While an instrumentalist cannot ever express the text fully through purely instrumental means, it sure is fun trying! I often have an actor friend read the poems before each song in performance (also not a bad idea for endurance concerns ... grab a minute between songs! Sorry for reverting back to my trumpet jock roots there).
Responses?
Sincerely,
Mike B |