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" If you enliven it, they will come: Turning the classical vocal recital on its ear "
Christian Nova
R. Winter
| Document Type
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Latin Dissertation
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| Language of Document
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English
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| Record Number
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53429
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| Doc. No
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TL23383
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| Call number
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3208324
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| Main Entry
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Christian Nova
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| Title & Author
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If you enliven it, they will come: Turning the classical vocal recital on its ear\ Christian Nova
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| College
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University of California, Los Angeles
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| Date
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2005
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| Degree
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D.M.A.
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| student score
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2005
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| Page No
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116
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| Abstract
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The solo vocal recital is a staple of virtually all vocal performance degrees in universities and conservatories in this country. Unfortunately, most recitals remain extremely conventional in their presentation and choice of repertoire. Standing in the crook of the piano in formal evening attire, singing esoteric material---often in a foreign language---is typical of this experience. Not surprisingly, audiences have been steadily shrinking since this art form peaked in America in the 1940s and 1950s. Finally compared to opera the vocal recital has been relegated to the status of "second class." Remedies for the decline in interest in this art form have been gleaned from historical evidence; study of the solo vocal recital as an art form; discussions with leaders in the fields of direction/education (Richard Pearlman at Chicago Lyric Opera), composition, and performance (William Bolcom and Joan Morris at The University of Michigan), and stage design (Robert Israel at UCLA); and personal experience designing and performing three doctoral recitals. As a final source, an audience survey was conducted to better understand the point-of-view of those attending a classical vocal recital. My findings suggest that the singer could strongly benefit from a more imaginative approach when creating and performing a solo vocal recital. Use of thematic connections, staging, movement and lighting, innovations in presenting foreign language translations, seating arrangement of the audience, size and location of the performance venue and employment of mixed media can all contribute to a deeper understanding of the nuance and subtlety of art song repertoire. Responses from the audience survey also indicate that these "extra-musical" elements would be welcomed by a strong majority of those attending the recitals and would enhance their understanding of the music. Enlivening the classical art song recital in these ways would not only improve the skills of the performers as clear communicators in an artistic medium, but would help to regenerate audience interest for this type of concert.
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| Subject
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Communication and the arts; Art song; Lieder; Performance; Recital; Vocal; Music; 0413:Music
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| Added Entry
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R. Winter
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University of California, Los Angeles
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