Advice on repertoire for contralto

Subject: Advice on repertoire for contralto
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 05:45 PM

It has been some time since I did any singing, and, just in case I get the opportunity, I'd like to extend my range a bit. What I remember of what I used to do covers such things as "The water is wide", "Sprig of thyme" and similar pieces, a few Gaelic mouth-musics, and the odd "Villikins and his Dinah." My voice has a reasonable range. I'd like some more cheerful pieces - everything's a bit mournful, really. Even Villikins' cheerful tune's about love-crossed suicide. I'd prefer. I think, to keep mostly within the traditions of these islands, but I've sung French "Au jardin de mon pere" and "En passant par la Lorraine", and I'm not ruling out American or Australian.

Has anyone any suggestions?

Penny

Subject: RE: Advice on repertoire for contralto
From: emily rain
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 06:13 PM

penny,

check out sally rogers' work (_the_unclaimed_pint_ is the one i can vouch for, and her albums with claudia schmidt are also pretty wonderful), and the new solo album by cathie ryan (self-titled). both have beautiful folksy pieces sung by my two favorite contraltos. they also both have a not-so-subtle country flavor to them, so if that turns you off you should focus on the following tracks:

Rogers: When I was a Fair Maid, Jubilee, The Touch of the Master's Hand; Ryan: Ned of the Hill, You and I in the One Bed Lie, White Dress, Sheain Bhain. Also, though it's not exactly joyful, The 12th of July is a song of hope and peace... a nice foil for those of star-crossed love.

Subject: RE: Advice on repertoire for contralto
From: Llanfair
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 06:17 PM

Or June Tabor, she has a remarkable voice, and does a variety of songs. The silly sisters, where she sings with Maddy Prior has some good stuff, Hwyl, Bron.

Subject: RE: Advice on repertoire for contralto
From: Penny S.
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 06:21 PM

Thank you for my summer holiday research tasks.

Should also have added that I sing mostly a capella - I can play a bit of guitar (In G!), and have an autoharp with twelve chords, which I don't do anything very clever with. Being clumsy, digitally.

Penny

Subject: RE: Advice on repertoire for contralto
From: MAG (inactive)
Date: 22 Jul 99 - 09:28 PM

I'll vouch for all of the above tapes, plus anything by Jean Redpath. I have mentioned Cilla Fisher before.

MA