So- I apologize for not posting as of late- I have been engaged since mid-December and have been wrapped up in wedding plans. It has been super fun making all the plans, a little hectic- and mostly all exciting. But- I have become a crazy woman. I am so very distracted that although I practice, and although I type this now- my mind is in France (where our honeymoon will be) or thinking of cute ways to update our wedding website. So, I must apologize for this blog as I am sure it will be somewhat incoherent and definitely brief.
Act II- I have been avoiding this act FOREVER and for good reason. The 1st Act has a very difficult aria, so I wanted to tackle it first (tackling is a good word- it is officially wrestled to the ground, not sure it has any musical merit at this point- but it will). Then, the last Act is in the lower region so my voice teacher and I thought it best to learn that one first so I can have an established base line to sing the role from. But the 2nd Act...ugh...and for all that I am going through as a crazy engaged woman...double ugh.
This is the Act when Alfredo's father convinces Violetta to leave his son for the benefits of all parties. And...she agrees!
I tried to sing this act a year ago and I got so emotional that I had trouble getting through phrases. I mean- how could she agree to do this? I could NEVER do this! Ever! And it's not that I am mad at her or even disagree with the situation (well, I do a little- but that is my 21st Century mentality)- but seriously, how can she even speak, let along sing? And to go to that place to have a rational decision that yes, I will leave the love of my life...I just simply don't want to do it.
Then, there is the 21st Century mentality. She gives up the man she loves so he doesn't ruin his family. Honorable, I guess? And she is dying anyway, right? And, she is a courtesan, so what is her value anyway? Hmm...that's where I have trouble. She puts everyone's emotions in front of hers not to be noble or because she is dying or because it's the right thing to do (is it?)- but, because, in this time- a woman's loss- and a courtesan's loss- isn't worth the trouble. So, then I get angry and sad.
Much rather be on knot.com- you know?
Monday, February 6, 2012
Friday, December 30, 2011
10,000 hours
While I hurt my eye (See back a few posts)- I decided to FINALLY listen to "Tipping Point" on my ipod; a wonderful book by Malcolm Gladwell that my fiance downloaded as he can multitask and listen and work at the same time. I cannot- and I was on my way to DC for the holidays- and I couldn't read- so...here we are back to "Tipping Point"
The book is about why successful people are successful. And it's not only because of hard work, or luck, or a trust fund, or all those reasons one immediately thinks of when people think of success. It's a combination of all of these- luck included (apparently, the decade you were born makes a significant contribution). And- hard work- well, it's all about how many hours you put into your craft and it seems that 10,000 hours is the magic number. So, I did some calculating, and I have approximately 8,500 hours in singing- those 5 years of vocal damage really did do me in. That, and needing to work to eat. In artistic administration? The job I was doing to support my singing career? Exactly 10,000 hours.
Holy f8k# Damn!
The book is about why successful people are successful. And it's not only because of hard work, or luck, or a trust fund, or all those reasons one immediately thinks of when people think of success. It's a combination of all of these- luck included (apparently, the decade you were born makes a significant contribution). And- hard work- well, it's all about how many hours you put into your craft and it seems that 10,000 hours is the magic number. So, I did some calculating, and I have approximately 8,500 hours in singing- those 5 years of vocal damage really did do me in. That, and needing to work to eat. In artistic administration? The job I was doing to support my singing career? Exactly 10,000 hours.
Holy f8k# Damn!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Christmas Things to Do!
Friday, December 16th
Chelsea Opera presents "A Child's Christmas in Wales"- this CHORAL piece will feature 45 singers and an orchestra- $25 advance tickets. One night only.
buy tickets here!
Tuesday, December 20th
My group, Voices of Women, Holiday House Party. Ticket prices offset future engagements (and we have to pay the pianist...)
when: December 20, 6-9 pm
where: 63 West 70th st., #3
cost at the door: $15 per person/$35 per family
cost before December 18: $10 per person/$25 per family
Join us as we usher in the Holidays with some old fashion Christmas Caroling and other fun selections! Wine and other beverages, cookies and of course candy canes included! Everyone welcome-this will be kid friendly! This is an open house, so please come when you can. Pay ahead of time via our donate page
Thursday, December 8, 2011
My Second Act
On Monday, I was asked to participate in a "live lecture" where I sing some arias and then discuss the art of being a singer. The audience are all adults- folks who go to the opera and want to learn more about it- not students. Thank god! Because, if there were students- I would say "run to the hills!" Which, is completely unfair....and kept me silent among my other singers performing that day.
One of whom is a beautifully voiced soprano. She has been auditioning for 3 years with little luck and I can't for the life think of why. And she asks me this same question (and I am sure she asks her teacher, I am sure everyone) and my response was to just throw up my hands. And I thought: Holy Shit! I have now turned the corner...I used to be the one asking those questions and they would respond with throwing up their hands!
It's just such a sad state of affairs. This business is so hard...and the allure is so strong to keep going. And it comes from everywhere- if not society (try hard = success, follow your dream!), guilt (I have 2 degrees in this!), the music itself (I CAN sing this stuff so why should I stop?). And when someone asks you- well, why did you stop and how are you managing not singing as your "dream"... I answer:
I had no choice. I had to eat. It's not fair, but then there comes a time in one's life when it's time to find out what else you are good at so you can eat- and be happy with how you came to eat. And it is possible.
But you can't tell someone in the middle of it...you just throw up your hands-- like all those folks did with me.
One of whom is a beautifully voiced soprano. She has been auditioning for 3 years with little luck and I can't for the life think of why. And she asks me this same question (and I am sure she asks her teacher, I am sure everyone) and my response was to just throw up my hands. And I thought: Holy Shit! I have now turned the corner...I used to be the one asking those questions and they would respond with throwing up their hands!
It's just such a sad state of affairs. This business is so hard...and the allure is so strong to keep going. And it comes from everywhere- if not society (try hard = success, follow your dream!), guilt (I have 2 degrees in this!), the music itself (I CAN sing this stuff so why should I stop?). And when someone asks you- well, why did you stop and how are you managing not singing as your "dream"... I answer:
I had no choice. I had to eat. It's not fair, but then there comes a time in one's life when it's time to find out what else you are good at so you can eat- and be happy with how you came to eat. And it is possible.
But you can't tell someone in the middle of it...you just throw up your hands-- like all those folks did with me.
Thursday, December 1, 2011
top 10 reasons I haven't cracked open La Traviata this month- even with all that hype from my last blog entry
10. I have to write in this blog
9. I got fat from all that turkey I ate and only have time for the gym
8. I hurt my eye and can't see (this is true)
7. I need to figure out ways to make more money to pay off my bills from when I was trying to be a professional singer
6. I got a gig- yeah!- but need to practice that music instead
5. I get home too late and therefore, don't want to annoy my neighbors
4. I was too hyped to do it and have to disappoint myself to feel back to "normal"
3. It's so much music - where do I even start? (I know- at the beginning)
2. I rather look at thesuperficial.com
1. I'm stuck on the NYC subway all the damn time
What are your reasons to procrastinate??!
9. I got fat from all that turkey I ate and only have time for the gym
8. I hurt my eye and can't see (this is true)
7. I need to figure out ways to make more money to pay off my bills from when I was trying to be a professional singer
6. I got a gig- yeah!- but need to practice that music instead
5. I get home too late and therefore, don't want to annoy my neighbors
4. I was too hyped to do it and have to disappoint myself to feel back to "normal"
3. It's so much music - where do I even start? (I know- at the beginning)
2. I rather look at thesuperficial.com
1. I'm stuck on the NYC subway all the damn time
What are your reasons to procrastinate??!
Friday, November 4, 2011
I hate over...
"I hate over"- my young niece said that to me after seeing a movie (I believe it was her first in the theatre). And let me tell you, I know how she feels!
The music is packed, the ticket sales deposited (thank YOU), the hangover has come and gone...but...wait.. what is going on?? I am actually NOT sad. I hate over- it's true. But, is it really over? Or, is this just another fantastic moment in life...and on to the next!
And boy- the next! My poor Violetta- how I have forsaken you! I can't wait to revel back into the Italian tongue twisters and luscious Verdi phrases...it's like dipping myself into a chocolate bath. How luxurious... to now have the time to enjoy life to its fullest.
The music is packed, the ticket sales deposited (thank YOU), the hangover has come and gone...but...wait.. what is going on?? I am actually NOT sad. I hate over- it's true. But, is it really over? Or, is this just another fantastic moment in life...and on to the next!
And boy- the next! My poor Violetta- how I have forsaken you! I can't wait to revel back into the Italian tongue twisters and luscious Verdi phrases...it's like dipping myself into a chocolate bath. How luxurious... to now have the time to enjoy life to its fullest.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Voices of Women: Loss & Find - I'm the one in the purple!
Tuesday, November 1st- 7.30 pm; The Singer's Forum: 49. W 24th Street, 4th Floor (off 6th Avenue). One hour- no intermission.
About the Concert:
Have you have been to a recital and found it to be, well, boring? Where a singer is standing there and you don't know what the heck they are screaming about? Don't worry- we feel the same way! We are the Voices of Women quartet and we have a vision – to take the recital out of recital by presenting a story of songs in a cabaret revue. As four professional trained classical singers, we take influences from everything from opera to jazz, from classical to cabaret, with the goal of focusing these influences towards the expansion of classical repertoire under the guise of a modern stage. On Saturday, October 29th (8 pm) and Tuesday, November 1 (7.30 pm), we are presenting our new recital, “Loss and Find" at the Singers Forum (49 W 24th St # 4). In "Loss & Find," we will explore and earnestly share with you our individual stories in how music and life interchange.
"Loss & Find" is comprised of American Art songs by well-known composers as Lee Hoiby, Ricky Ian Gordon, Ned Rorem and Aaron Copland as well as not so well-known composers, Richard Hageman and Amy Beech. We are thrilled to perform commissioned quartets by contemporary composer, Richard Pearson, who just happens to be accompanying us, as well as featuring local New York City composer, Joseph Turrin. Lastly, Rod Gomez, singer and opera director extraordinaire, will direct the program.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)