Abstract:
Hidden virtuosity: the choral soprano in the studio The idea that “choral singing ruins your voice” is now viewed as out-dated, yet there is still a divide between soloists and choristers. In the studio, voice teachers are conscious of giving appropriate repertoire to developing singers, however, for choral singers, the technical demands placed on them often far exceed the technical skill set of a young singer. If you look at a standard choral programme the vocal techniques required by the singers are vast, with music that could range from renaissance polyphony to a newly commissioned work. Untrained singers in community and youth choirs are expected to perform these works, often without any vocal tuition, whereas even the young soprano soloist would typically be able to draw on years of technical and stylistic training. This presentation will explore the demands placed on sopranos in the choral and the emerging solo worlds, and look to how pedagogues can ensure vocal health within the choral rehearsal and performance space. By contrasting arias with choral movements from oratorio, I will explore the technical challenges faced by both the soloist and chorister. What can pedagogues do to help the choral soprano? Should they be working on choral parts with the same commitment in the studio as they do with solo arias, broadening the musical scope of vocal tuition?
