Objectives: 3, 6
- Identify training requirements of a professional opera singer
- Practice singing staccato
- Identify adult vocal ranges
- Learn about coloratura and hear an example, the "The Queen of Night" aria
Materials
- Tape: "Queen of the Night" aria from The Magic Flute, by W. A. Mozart (08:36-11:29)
- Copies of Masters 3 and 4
Procedures
1. Identify training requirements of opera singers.
2. Read Master Worksheet 3 about singing staccato
3. Notice staccato sections in the excerpts from the aria on Master Worksheet 4.
4. Read the synopsis of the scene.
5. Watch the video of the Queen's aria. Identify the portions they sang and decide the vocal range category for the Queen.
6. Read about coloratura.
7. Discuss aspects of this scene.
Synopsis
The opera is based on a libretto by Mozart's friend, Schickaneder. It is a fantasy, set in ancient, mythological Egypt. The noble Prince Tamino has been asked by the Queen of Night to reassure her daughter, Princess Pamina, from Sarastro, the Great High Priest of Isis. She gives him a magic flute, whose sweet music will protect him from danger, and send along as a companion Papageno, a comical bird-catcher.
Tamino discovers that Sarastro has brought Pamino to the Temple of Wisdom to protect her from the evil influence of her mother. When he learns this, he is not able to ask her to return to her mother. In a rage, the Queen of Night magically appears before Pamina and, in this aria, vengefully demands that she kill Sarastro or be disowned by her forever.
Evaluation
What are the most important qualities an outstanding opera singer must have?
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