The meaning of the song
Lesson time: (5min 21sec)
Alfie Boe explains why he reads a song's lyrics before the melody, so your performance carries the right emotion rather than mimicking someone else.
Course preview
This lesson is part of the course Learn Singing with Alfie Boe
Watch a preview of the full course below.
Lesson transcript:
The Importance of Finding Your Own Voice
"I'm not going to teach you how to sing it like I sing it. I want you to learn how to sing it like you sing it."
Discovering Your Own Voice
- It is crucial to discover your own ability and voice.
- Make the song your own; do not feel pressured to mimic someone else's style.
- This is about emotional interpretation that you have to develop and stick by.
The First Step: Understanding the Lyrics
"When I am approaching a new song that I have to learn, the first thing I do... was to read the lyrics."
- Read the Lyrics: Understand what the song is about before focusing on the melody.
- Recognize Composer Intentions: Composers often create beautiful melodies that may not reflect the song's emotional content.
- For instance, you might be singing about a tragic loss while the tune is cheerful.
A Personal Experience
- During my time at music college, I made a mistake while performing an operatic aria from Elisir d'Amore by Donizetti.
- The melody is filled with passion and joy, but I was unaware that the lyrics expressed heartbreak.
- I sang with a huge smile, misinterpreting the emotional context.
A Lesson Learned
- My teacher, British tenor Philip Langridge, confronted me about my lack of understanding.
- I had to admit that I didn't truly know what I was singing about.
Understanding the Message
- It is essential to grasp the song's message, regardless of the language it is written in.
- Take Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel as an example.
- It speaks about helping and guiding someone through difficult times.
Recommendations for Singing
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Focus on the Lyrics:
- Sit with the lyrics in front of you.
- Read them silently, then out loud.
- Recite them repeatedly without any music attached.
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Connection with Emotions:
- By understanding the lyrics, you will connect with the correct emotions.
- This preparation is critical before attempting to sing the song.
In summary, understanding the lyrics and the emotional context of a song is paramount before you begin to sing. It will allow you to convey the right emotions and truly connect with your audience.
About the instructor
Alfie Boe is a tenor from Fleetwood on the Lancashire coast. He has sung on many of the world's leading opera stages, led the cast of Les Misérables in the West End for nearly a year, and performed at the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. He has had four top-ten albums and platinum sales in the UK, with sold-out tours at venues including the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. In his course he shares the daily vocal exercises and warm-ups he uses before performing - from Jean Valjean to singing for the Queen - the craft that keeps a powerful voice in shape. read more