Lesson 6
Objectives: 5, 6, 7, 8
* Hear and identify the soprano voice.
* Compare the vocal and dramatic qualities of two soprano performers.
* Develop a checklist of criteria for evaluation of performance.
* Create a color line interpretation of musical elements.
Materials
* From the tape: "Una Voce Poco Fa" (Act 1, Scene 2, Rosina) (08:36-11:29)
* Unlined white sheets of paper, colored pencils, crayons, pens
* Copies of Master 10
Procedures
* Read the synopsis of The Barber of Seville.
* Look at Master 10. Discuss the aria's form, noting the meter change and the relative length of sections. Play the notated phrases so that you will recognize them later when we watch the video.
* Review the range and description of the soprano voice (Master 4).
* Play the tape and listen for the "introduction", A; interlude, B; codetta".
* Choose words that best describe both mood and character of the music. Does it remain the same throughout, or does it change? If it changes, how and when does it?
* In groups, compare the soprano voice of Kathleen Battle as Rosina in this aria with the soprano voice of Luciana Serra as the Queen of the Night in The Magic Flute (from lesson 3). Use the following criteria for assessment:
# vocal quality ( light, heavy, bright, dark, mellow, etc.)
# vocal tone color (nasal, clear, sharp, muted, open, etc.)
# ability to perform the many demanding runs, trills, etc.
# demonstrate proper breath control and tonal placement
* Compare the dramatic qualities of the above sopranos.
# Was their character believable?
# Did each remain "in character" throughout the scene?
# Did facial expressions and body movements match the lyrics and general mood of the character and situation?
Synopsis
The setting is Seville, Spain; time, the 17th century, Elderly Dr. Bartolo plans to marry his ward, the young and beautiful Rosina, who lives in his house. Count Almaviva, who assumes different disguises in order to meet and court Rosina, is also in love with her. Rosina, of course, falls in love with the Count, who is aided (with some ready cash) in his plot to marry her by the local barber and busybody, Figaro. Things happen fast and furiously in one comic turn following another.
In a mixed-up mass and mess of events at the conclusion, Count Almaviva and Rosina are finally married, the doctor accepts defeat to the younger suitor, the barber has payment for his help, and everyone is happy!
In this scene, Rosina, alone in a room at Dr. Bartolo's home, has written a letter to Count Almaviva expressing her desire to meet him, and explaining she is unhappy and wishes to leave. She now states her love for the Count AND vows to marry him - even though she has not yet met him! She tells what a perfect wife she will be, and warns she is determined to use her wit and wiles to outsmart Dr. Bartolo.
Evaluation
Would the voice of Kathleen Battle by suited to the role of the Queen of the Night? Why or why not?
Would Luciana Serra by suited for the role of Rosina? Why or why not?
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Last updated: November 07, 1999.
