As part of your lessons you are to construct your own biographical statement concerning the composers of your assigned songs and arias. This statement needs only to be two or three sentences of pertinent and interesting information. In the case of minor composers, you can type the name into a search engine or speak with the main music librarian (Laurel Whisler) or speak with me.
You will need to cite the source of your information. (If found on the internet, please give the URL.) If using CD liner notes give the title and the artists.
If the assignment is in a foreign language, you need to have a typed out (or xeroxed) word by word translation. These word by word translations should be written into your music.
Again, please cite the source of your translation. If done on your own with a dictionary, give yourself credit. Note that the "singable English" translations in many books have no relationship to word by word, literal, or idiomatic translation. In addition to the dictionaries in the library, there are a number of online dictionaries on the internet. These can be found by typing "dictionaries" in a search engine window.
For all of your songs including those in English write out a paraphrase of the text. This exercise will enhance your musical interpretation of any song. If from an opera or an oratorio, determine the underlying actions, feelings, or inner dialog of the person who sings this selection. Consider the perspective that you as the artist can bring to the music.
Use
this well thought out paraphrase when introducing the song in studio class.
If
you read the poetry before singing the song in studio class, this must
be done with clear diction and appropriate expression.
Often the text to your songs were originally writings of major literary figures. If this is the case, construct a short one sentence biographical statement for that literary figure.
Please cite the source of your information.
Click for list of vocal music resources found in the Maxwell Music Library.