More rehearsals...

So, I just got back from another rehearsal. We were able to run through acts 1 and 2 tonight, which is better than ever before. One of these days we'll get through the whole thing in one shot...and hopefully before opening night.

I'm going to keep this short, as I am currently fuming over artistic differences between the music director and myself. My one "aria" is a very shmultzy piece, yet the words are very dry and bitter, etc. The words match my character, and the melody does not. If you listen to any recording, you will find that the songs are acted as much as sung. I am all about singing beautifully and such, but I do not believe in making these songs a one-dimensional, "just pretty" melody line. The words will not make any sense if I do not play them up, and the audience only having 1 time to hear them, will either not grasp the whole point of me singing the song, or will think I am a boring actress, doing a poor job. Why write bizarre and pointed lyrics (or have lyrics at all) without having a driving force behind them?!

Anyhow, I am really annoyed over this, as our musical director spoke with me tonight after rehearsal telling me that I am not doing what he wants, and why not? and that it was so pretty when we rehearsed it together long ago, and I must have forgotten everything that he said. Also that I am putting on an ugly sound, also that I sound like a mezzo, and that I am therefore out of tune all the time. Also that it should be sung quietly, yet dramatically like Lucia or some other Italian great opera. GRR! Can one compare Weill's composing style to Donizetti and Bellini?

Tomorrow I have the fortunate opporunity of meeting with this lovely director at 4:30 to go over everything again. [I feel I must remind you: if this director had experience, were older than I by more than one year, knew a lot about singing,knew how to voice what he wants from a performer in a clear manner, were organized, etc. I wouldn't be so upset...]

Anyhow, tomorrow I am going to try to sing this piece soooo softly and sooooo sweetly, and without any difference in emotion, that he'll fall off his chair from utter boredom. He'll probably love it, and I'll have to swallow my pride and do what I consider a half-ass job at it. I suppose I'll have to do that anyhow. I don't mean to sound like the stereotypical soprano, but for the first time in my life I want to stand up strong for my own interpretation! He will not compromise with me (as I've tried to suggest) and so Mrs. Peachum will become a Martin-(un)inspired creation.

Ah well. Enough complaining.

Nighty night.