Audition, Massenet, Jena…

Hi there! This week I had lots to do with preparing and singing two auditions. They went well and I did what I could. I know however that I sometimes fail to not be completely free during the auditions. I tend to get a bit tense and I immediately feel it on the voice, it is a mental issue that happens when I am under the stress of the auditions. Or in other cases I get too relax and I am not focused enough. As I always think, it is always a matter of balance, of knowing the right amount of tension and coolness about the situation, or rather say, the right amount of alertness both physical and mental. All is a matter of balance like in our lives, that is why to me singing is so deep and spiritual, because beyond technique and interpretation, is the inclusion of the soul and heart into it, to bring the music to life. It is a wave of living energy through the tiny vocal cords to touch another form of life. It is magical but visceral at the same time.

I am also preparing for the role of Armand from the opera “Therese” by Massenet. Famous for his Werther and Manon, later in his life he wrote this opera, and it is a short one but full of action and energy. It is rarely performed, and I am glad I can finally sing a title role from one of his operas. I believe this role is just right for me now, as a nice introduction to his french world. I really enjoy singing in French and I have always. Even as student some of my favorite songs I sang were those in French, somehow the temperament of them suits me well.

Massenet is full of colors and dynamics; Therese is not the exception and there is so much to consider. I will be travelling next week to start rehearsals and I am really looking forward to it. It will be a small production by the University of Jena at their summer festival and it will be an open air production. I am no so fan of open air productions but it is a long time, I think over 10 years when I sang Tamino for the first time in an open air production and although acoustically is not fun, the atmosphere is refreshing after singing indoors most of the time.

I continue with my daily reading of Holiday and Tolstoi, plus reading right now a book by Juvarra on singing, and Muti’s book about Verdi. I also keep my 4 time a week exercise routine.

Take care and see you next week.