Analysis, explanation, demonstration by Joan Rodgers

Music Lesson Feedback with Erica

General Impressions Erica, it was beautifully sung! However, I felt it was too much of a beautiful vocalise. The text lacked rhythm, making it seem very smooth and one-dimensional. It was lovely, but...

• Facial Expressions: I noticed in the postlude that your facial expression changed. You allowed your emotions to show when you stopped singing. I recommend engaging with your heart more than your head.

• Difficulties in Mozart: I understand that Mozart is incredibly difficult, and this aria is very exposed. You performed it beautifully, but it's important to move away from treating it merely as a technical exercise.

Engagement with the Audience Reflecting on my performance the other night, I realized that as soon as I began to worry about technicalities, I lost something for the audience. Sometimes, they prefer to hear flaws if it means feeling the emotions behind the piece.

Breath Control and Tempo Regarding your phenomenal breath control, it's truly impressive, but I think you actually need to breathe sometimes. Emotionally, it adds depth to the piece.

• Cadenza Moments: There were swift moments in the cadenza "meinem Herzen." It felt rushed and didn't align emotionally with the rest of the piece.

Interpretation of "Ach" Start again with "Ach." It's not just "ach;" it's "Ach!" This expresses deep emotion, it's a moment where she feels everything is over. She wants to convey that sense of despair.

Legato and Expression While legato is crucial, throughout this aria, you'll see ways to apply more punctuation. You can still join through the consonants, but remember:

• Phrasing: Try linking your phrases without being too smooth; find a balance between poise and heart.

Ornamentation in Mozart Interestingly, Mozart wrote all these ornamentations for younger singers, thinking they wouldn't have enough ideas of their own.

• Musical Spontaneity: The ornaments should sound spontaneous, so throw it away a bit more within the rhythm.

Emotional Depth The piece captures the essence of love lost. When you sing "Evichin," think of it as sobs, expressing, "All that love... it's gone." Let the emotion underpin her feelings; convey a sense of longing.

• B-Flat Moment: Be more generous with the B-flat. I felt you slightly shortchanged it without drawing it out.

Energy and Clarity You need bags of energy to strike each note cleanly. Think of creating space around your sounds, almost yawn into it.

• Poggiatura: Try a slight poggiatura above the given note to explore a fuller sound.

Technique Over Emotion Throughout singing, don't let it feel like a technical exercise. Each note, as minimal as it may seem, deserves time and heart.

• Meditation in Singing: Consider treating each note momentively, don't let any fall away.

Color and Emotion in Performance I want you to explore different colors and ways to express emotions in your voice. It's important to me that every note counts.

• Legato Connections: Ensure a seamless flow from the B-flat to the F without losing the emotional intensity.

Final Moments of the Piece In the final sections, don't rush through significant moments. Find that inner calm while maintaining emotional intensity.

• Last Note Delivery: Your last notes need to feel anticipated, not rushed.

Final Reflections Your singing contained so much beauty, but remember the interplay between poise and emotional engagement.

• Hope in Performance: Convey the hope present in the piece, even in sorrow. When Tamino is silent, consider how that impacts the emotional stakes.

Great job, Erica! Keep exploring these suggestions, and you can enhance your artistry even further.