A Full, Tiring, but Fulfilling Day

My voice lesson yesterday afternoon went fairly well! But then, I would consider most of my lessons to go well. They are such an enjoyment for me, and bring along a breath of fresh air. I felt a little out of control of my voice, and didn't feel quite up to par, but Judy said it sounded fine. So we'll just trust the teacher. That is why vocalists will always need another ear to hear them. Because we cannot hear our true sound, because everything affects the voice, and because we have to go by feel, we will always need teachers and coaches!

I haven't been sleeping well recently, so I think that may account for the off-day---and I have had a lot on my mind lately. Anyway.

We sang through my Mozart, Vedrai carino and my Purcell, Hark! The Ech'ing Air. I am singing them for the studio recital on Thursday evening. I wanted to be sure they were in line! I did some translation work on the Mozart over the weekend and really feel that I am starting to understand the piece. The Purcell, well was a bit frustrating! I couldn't get the memory! And I am so hard on myself! Judy is so good about helping me chill out! But what a fast and energetic piece. I love it. Lots of colortura and fire!

We went over a French Liszt piece that I am starting. I do enjoy singing art songs! This one is proving interesting. It has some very graceful lines that I am trying to work into my voice on a sigh! We made some real headway on it, as she encouraged me to take my time through the lines----con grazia does mean "with grace" I should have known! DUH! I did some literal translation on this one over the weekend. I know I shouldn't be, but I am always amazed at how much that really does help, rather than just taking what they have at the front of the book as a literal translation.

We ended my lesson by singing an old aria that I am keeping up for auditions. I LOVE the piece. "Quel guardo il cavaliere" from Don Pasquale by Donizetti. I love Donizetti too! This piece takes a lot of strength and energy! Lots of coloratura and high notes. Very expressive too. It took a lot out of me to sing it, but it felt so good to sing it! I had so much fun and was just so thankful to actually have some energy left over to want to sing it. I was pretty tired by Monday evening though!

After my lesson, I made my way back to Schaumburg in the midst of a beginning snow storm! Yes, folks, Chicago got dumped on again! But it is beautiful. I did have one stop to make. Walmart! I am an avid tea drinker, and have to use spring water with my loose leaf teas. So it is very convenient to stop by on my way back home every two weeks to get 4 one gallon jugs of water. I must look like a dork though carrying them all by hand up to the counter. They always ask me if I would like to have them bagged! Of course I want them bagged. It isn't like I didn't just struggle up to the counter with them. Do they think I am going to struggle all the way to my car.

I did make it home in good time. Stopped and practiced real quick. I wanted to be sure I could completely get through my two pieces for Thursday. I did, then went home to a wonderful meal of meatloaf, broccoli, and salad. So ended a very full, tiring, but fulfilling day!