Pretty interesting reading.I got this in the mail today: comments from all the judges including the scores. I doubt most choral conductors are sharing their comments so publicly . . . but what does it really matter?
We received some very interesting comments . . . a few commonalities:
1. judges commented most on going a half step sharp on "nunc dimittis" (better sharp than flat, i say)
2. judges usually commented on vibrato, desiring less. that's pretty interesting to me, since in the usa we are probably known for singing with less vibrato than most other choirs.
Read it here, and comment below. Enjoy, and respond in the comment section below!
6 comments:
Very interesting to see what they listen for and especially how they heard what we did. Overall-they really loved and appreciated what we did well, and we know what we did really well, and, well, we didn't get anything past them in pitch or clarity. Still, nothing to be embarrassed about. We did well, sang with heart and passion (I think that's what we excel in...) and loved every minute of Ireland. Isn't that really what we were there for, after all? I'll never forget how we felt on or off of that stage and how proud I was to be there with all of you.
It makes me feel a little better knowing where they came from, but I still don't like the fact that we lost at all. They all had pretty horrible penmanship too.
I think I'm just looking for things to dislike about them so I'll go ahead and wrap this up.
I still say we kicked some Europeon ass!
Justin seems to have a need to convincingly demonstrate violence towards Europeans. I say we channel this constructively . . . and let him begin training for olympic boxing. Any other ideas?
Lots of therapy?
After being in Europe for a month, I've decided that Europeans and Americans just treat choral singing differently, as they do most other things. As Americans, I think we go big or go home and Europeans are more about minimalism and control in their singing. I don't care what award we won or didn't win, I had a wonderful time in Ireland and an amazing three weeks after that singing our music across the continent. God Bless the USA (and its extensive variety of fast foods and sweet tea)!
Interesting comments. Europeans and Americans certainly have different aesthetics, and we see this in opera and recital as well. My question: who were the judges, and do you have a bio for each one? That might give you even more insight into their comments, especially with respect to vibrato.
Post a Comment