An Annotated Guide to Musical Theatre Literature by Voice Type and Song Style

The New Broadway Song Companion: An Annotated Guide to Musical Theatre Literature by Voice Type and Song Style

by David P. DeVenney

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	919 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	298 pages

FREE

Welcome to our comprehensive guide to musical theatre literature, meticulously organized by voice type and song style. Whether you're a seasoned performer, a budding vocalist, or simply an ardent enthusiast, this guide will serve as your invaluable companion in navigating the vast and ever-evolving landscape of musical theatre.

Voice Types

The human voice is a versatile instrument capable of producing a wide range of sounds. In musical theatre, voices are classified into five main categories:

• Soprano: The highest female voice, characterized by its clear, bright tone.
• Mezzo-soprano: A middle-range female voice, with a richer, fuller sound than the soprano.
• Alto: The lowest female voice, known for its warm, resonant quality.
• Tenor: The highest male voice, with a clear, ringing tone.
• Baritone: A middle-range male voice, with a warm, rich sound.
• Bass: The lowest male voice, characterized by its deep, resonant tone.

Song Styles

Musical theatre encompasses a diverse range of song styles, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Opera: A dramatic genre characterized by its elaborate plots, soaring melodies, and orchestral accompaniment.
• Operetta: A lighter form of opera, with more comedic elements and spoken dialogue.
• Broadway: A commercial genre characterized by its catchy tunes, energetic choreography, and often lighthearted themes.
• Legitimate Theatre: A more serious genre that focuses on spoken dialogue and character development, with music playing a secondary role.

Annotated Guide

The following annotated guide provides a comprehensive selection of musical theatre songs, organized by voice type and song style:

Soprano

Opera

* "Vissi d'arte" from Tosca by Giacomo Puccini: A heart-wrenching aria that showcases the soprano's vocal prowess and emotional depth. * "Sempre Libera" from La Traviata by Giuseppe Verdi: A spirited and defiant aria that allows the soprano to soar through the upper registers.

Operetta

* "Glitter and Be Gay" from Candide by Leonard Bernstein: A satirical and witty song that highlights the soprano's comedic skills. * "I Could Have Danced All Night" from My Fair Lady by Frederick Loewe: A charming and upbeat aria that displays the soprano's vocal agility and charm.

Broadway

* "Don't Cry For Me Argentina" from Evita by Andrew Lloyd Webber: A powerful and dramatic ballad that showcases the soprano's vocal range and expressive abilities. * "Memory" from Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber: A haunting and unforgettable melody that has become a Broadway classic.

Mezzo-soprano

Opera

* "Habanera" from Carmen by Georges Bizet: A seductive and sultry aria that showcases the mezzo-soprano's lower register and rich tone. * "Voi che sapete" from The Marriage of Figaro by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: A charming and playful aria that highlights the mezzo-soprano's vocal versatility.

Operetta

* "I Am Woman" from Hello, Dolly! by Jerry Herman: A bold and empowering anthem for women that allows the mezzo-soprano to shine. * "Adelaide's Lament" from Guys and Dolls by Frank Loesser: A humorous and heartfelt song that showcases the mezzo-soprano's comedic timing.

Broadway

* "Defying Gravity" from Wicked by Stephen Schwartz: A soaring and inspiring ballad that demonstrates the mezzo-soprano's vocal power and emotional range. * "I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg: A haunting and powerful anthem that captures the essence of hope and loss.

Alto

Opera

* "O Don Fatale" from Don Carlos by Giuseppe Verdi: A dramatic and intense aria that showcases the alto's lower register and emotional depth. * "Mon cœur s'ouvre à ta voix" from Samson et Dalila by Camille Saint-Saëns: A beautiful and passionate aria that allows the alto to soar through the upper registers.

Operetta

* "I Enjoy Being a Girl" from Flower Drum Song by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II: A playful and charming song that showcases the alto's comedic skills. * "Suddenly" from Les Misérables by Claude-Michel Schönberg: A haunting and moving ballad that allows the alto to展现 her emotional range and vocal power.

Broadway

* "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" from Dreamgirls by Henry Krieger: A powerful and heart-wrenching ballad that showcases the alto's vocal range and emotional intensity. * "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" from Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Jule Styne and Leo Robin: A witty and sophisticated song that allows the alto to display her comedic timing and vocal versatility.

Tenor

Opera

* "Una furtiva lagrima" from L'elisir d'amore by Gaetano Donizetti: A beautiful and poignant aria that showcases the tenor's lyric qualities and emotional range. * "Nessun dorma" from Turandot by Giacomo Puccini: A dramatic and

The New Broadway Song Companion: An Annotated Guide to Musical Theatre Literature by Voice Type and Song Style

by David P. DeVenney

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	919 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	298 pages

FREE