Expert: Donald - 2/4/2011

Question
Hello Donald!

Thanks for taking the time on my question! I'm a soprano trying out for a college choir. I plan to sing "When I am Laid in Earth" from Dido and Aeneas. I've got it all down except the G "remember me". I can hit it solidly, but it get pinched when I try to sing the closed vowels. You know what I mean? It's when I have to narrow my mouth to get the "b" and "m" in "ber" and "me". Do you have any tips for singing pinched consonants in modern opera? Thank you very much!

~Chelsea

Answer
Hi Chelsea!

I'm sorry that it took me a few days to answer...It has been a busy time!

Congratulations on your upcoming audition! I wish you the very best of luck as you pursue your love of music...

"When I am Laid" is a wonderful example of early Baroque opera. The place that you are citing is the climax of the aria, and it does present some issues. Try working the high pitch on an open vowel that you feel comfortable on, without consonants. Then sing only the vowel sounds that are actually present in that section of the piece. Finally, gently add in the consonant sounds, but deemphasize the consonants to the point where they are barely present on the high "G". Concentrate more on beautiful tone right there instead of fully intelligible consonants, and you will be on the right track. The modification of vowel sounds to a more open vowel, and the modification of consonant sounds to a less present form, are perfectly acceptable in the Bel Canto style. Try it and let me know if you have any success.

Best of luck!

Donald