Bringing Soprano Arias to Life

Book excerpt: New in Paperback! This book supplies a soprano with nearly everything she may need to perform the operatic arias discussed. The 28 arias included are chosen from among those that are more popular and most widely studied and performed. There are descriptions of stage settings, with costume sketches by famed theatrical designer Leo Van Witsen. The heart of each discussion is a detailed descriptions of the sections of the area. While the scenic design may change from one production to another, the suggestions given for dramatic motivations, character building, and stage movement can be readily adapted for use in any theatrical environment. Although it is not intended that these arias be acted out on the concert stage, much of the information—the dramatic analysis, discussions of vocal and musical aspects, matters of style and tradition, and translations of the texts—should be profitable for students of singing and stage direction, as well as professional opera singers, no matter how or where the arias are performed. Paperback edition available June 2001. Cloth edition previously published in 1990.