I need at least 2 good college audition pieces...any suggestions?

Question

At least one has to be classical...I have a French piece that I may use for this one, but I am always up for more recommendations! I need a non-classical piece as well.

I can sing soprano or mezzo.

The French piece is Apres Un Reve...I used it to try out for Governor's school but it isn't my favorite.

Answer 1

What's the French piece? I'd go with a Bernstein or Gershwin song for the more informal piece. "Our Love is Here to Stay" by Gershwin is a good informal audition piece because it requires you to do a good job. For the classical, I don't know that I'd go French. I'd go Italian or German. Look at Schubert song cycles and find one you feel comfortable with. Good luck!

Answer 2

Apres un Reve is a good one, although tough on your voice if you haven't been singing recently (specifically a really long line without a good breathing place around the page turn before the last page . . . I forget what it said, though). If you speak French (so you know your pronounciation is good), it's a great one. If you're not so sure on your French pronounciation, maybe pick up a quick Italian piece? There are several good Italian ariettas that aren't too tough to learn (easy ABA format) and it's hard to go wrong with Italian pronounciation.

If you have access to a variety of music, I would dig out some good Broadway music (in English or whatever languages you like best). I personally like "Daddy's Son" from Ragtime - great opportunity to show off your voice, and not very hard. "Summertime" from Porgy and Bess is a good one if you have a powerful voice, as well. "I'm Just a Girl Who Cain't Say No" from Oklahoma is good if belting out vibrato isn't your (pardon the pun) forte :-P

Answer 3

A couple of my favourite classical pieces are "Se tu m'ami" by Pergolesi it's really fun and flirty and also "Malditos Celos" by Hernandez....it's very dramatic and fun to sing as well. As for non-classical pieces, broadway is likely your best bet. Do something fun that you really enjoy and can have fun with. If I were choosing, I'd do "Popular" from Wicked, or "If I Were a Bell" Guys and Dolls, or even "Dance 10 Looks 3" from A Chorus Line, although that might be a little risque. Jekyl and Hyde has a couple good songs for mezzo's and so does Songs for a New World. Check them out!!

Answer 4

I can tell you from experience that you need to do pieces that you like, here is the reason, singing is acting to music, you need to show people through your voice how you feel . lets say the song is about falling in love , if you do not like the music then you are probably not showing your best when you sing it. does that make sense. Opera is about feeling. My recommendation is to go to Barnes an Nobel and listen to opera singers, the great thing is learning a song does not take alot of time now, and for an audition the most you might get to sing is 16 to 24 bars so it needs to be the juiciest part i myself like traviatta

Answer 5

At least you're looking at things besides Shakespeare! You could always try something by Marlowe, Moliere, ancient Greek playwrights, etc. etc.

Your other piece should be something that is not overly dramatic or comedic. The best way to do this is to find a play that you love, then choose a character who has many lines in one part of the script. Cut out the other character(s)'s lines, modifying where necessary to make it make sense. (If you find yourself modifying constantly, find a different section or play.) The auditors will hear something from you that they don't hear often, and they will appreciate the work. (Trust me.)

Answer 6

Hmmm. Maybe a piece from Harold Arlen!

Answer 7

"La rosa y el sauce" by Guastavino, argentinian composer.
And for the non classical, anything from a bradway musical, like think of me, or, someone to watch over me.