Hi all! I have just taken the plunge and told my singing teacher today that yes, I will take Grade 7 next session!!! She said a while ago that I could, but just to let her know when... Anyway... Just some thoughts please on what I might do. The whole thing is a bit sacary, but I'm determined to give it a go.

I love most of the A list stuff, but we have left a decision on that until after choosing the other stuff for definate. I have worked a little on a lot of it - I love Thrice Happy Lovers

So for the others, so far we have got: Vaga Luna, Silent Noon, The Apple, and The last rose of summer. I love them all.

However, I would like to do either some Handel or Purcell for list A, possibly the Mozart. I am a bit worried though that there will be either too much English or Italian... any thoughts?! I'm not too keen on the Bach, but might I need the German to balance it out a bit? Do you lose marks for not having lots of languages? I suppose it's a pity I'm too in love with Vaga Luna - I'm reluctant to trade that one in for German Lied.

Also, at this level, does anyone intruduce their pieces with a bit more than, 'I'm going to sing.... by .....' Have we got time for any more than that?! I know we were very pushed for time with the Grade 6 exam...

Your thoughts and encouragement most welcome! In a funny sort of way I'm quite looking forward to it, though when the time comes I'll probably fall to pieces...

My friend who has been teaching me some singing loved the Faure songs that she did - I THINK there's a grade 7 one, Le Secret? She said she really enjoyed that. Anyway, may be worth looking at, though I'm sure others will give you more pertinent advice (grade 7 singer I am NOT! )

I might look at the Faure. Not really sung any French stuff before because I love Italian.

Any other singers around? Katyjay? Amber? Where are you all ?!

Hi Emma

Congratulations on taking the plunge!

As you know, the only work you NEED to sing in another language is the list B work, and Italian's a perfectly reasonable option. You won't get penalised for singing your list A work in English.

Rather than worrying about the German/Italian/French/whatever split, I'd suggest focussing on finding something that balances the moods and makes a rounded programme.

For example, when I did my grade 8, I started with my List B piece, Brahms' "Staendchen" - it's a chirpy, cheeky sort of a work. Then I did my list A - Gluck "O Del Mio Dolce Ardor", which is a lot more lyrical and dramatic (I sang it in Italian, but that's not compulsory). I followed that with my list D choice - Britten's "For I will consider my Cat Jeoffry" from "Rejoice in the Lamb". This is a slowish, reitative-like work. Then finally I sang my list C work - Dring's "It was a Lover and his Lass" as an upbeat, showy finale. The four songs work together as a short programme, and that also helped me perform it better.

So perhaps something like "Had I Jubal's Lyre" would be a good bet to add a lively mood to your repertoire?

Good luck with whatever you choose.

Cheers

Katyjay

I've heard that sung in a church service! It was... like nothing I had ever heard before!

Not surprised - it was written by a resident of a lunatic assylum! Bit of a challenge to sing, though - the accompaniment is in 4/4 while the vocal line is in 12/8

Cheers

Katyjay

I was intreaques by this one! I've not heard it, and wondered how the cat fits into what I assumed to be a religious piece! Now it makes sense....

However, anything including the words,

For I am possessed of a cat,
Surpassing in beauty,
From whom I take occasion
To bless Almighty God

has got to be woth singing. Mine's coming in September (the cat surpassing in beauty that is!)

What's the rest of the cantata like?

Crackers

But a jolly good sing.

well put...

The cantata has bits like ... "For the mouse is a creature of great personal valour"...

I forget why I heard it sung, but I do remember thinking "Oooooooooooooookaay...", but also that it was rather good! It was a while ago though.

mind you, if you've ever seen a mouse with my daft cat, it does put up a pretty good fight.

I've also had a series of bats dragged into the house in the last couple of days who do an awful lot of squeeking - but are obviolusy good fun to catch but not very taasty. Getting them out again is a different story!!!

Now to wait for those men in white coats...

sounds like your cat would get on with my mum's - daft thing! some mice (I'm sure sometimes it's the same ones) have worked out that if you play dead, she will drop you as an offering at someone's feet ("look, aren't I clever??") at which point you can scarper...! She also can't smell food unless you stick her nose right in it. Dosey animal!

OK, Emma, so I'm curious. What did you decide to sing?

Cheers

Katyjay

(ps - my latest repertoire decision is on the Diplomas board - I'm waiting to hear from Trinity if they've approved it)

! think this is what we are going for:

If music be the food of love
Vaga Luna
Silent Noon
The Apple
The last rose of Summer

I was a bit concerned about only one language... we did think abou the possibility of doing a foreign folk song, but we'll see. My teacher seems to think it won't matter. It's not that I don't like singing the German / French songs, it's just that these suit better, and I love singing them, which is what it's all about really.

How do you introduce them - is there any point saying why you chose them and a bit about ewach song, like they do in recitals?

We did some aural stuff yesaterday too - is there any easy way of doing it?! Naming thye cadence chords I think is going to be a bit beyond me.... think I need to get my theory books out today and try and make an intelligent guess! This could be a disastrous decision!!!!

Sounds a good mix. Enjoy it! You're teacher's right that as long as you have one non-English language song you have complied with the rules. And you should definitely sing stuff you like and that suits your voice.

I didn't do any introductions for my grade exams - apart from anything else my speaking voice was wobbling too much!

Aurals generally and cadences in particular - I'm afraid there's nothing for it but practice, practice and then a bit more practice.

Best of luck

Cheers

Katyjay