Kathleen Sasnett Livres

Focusing on the dramatic soprano voice, this study guide features twenty-five diverse works for soprano and orchestra, spanning from 1787 to 2004. It includes various forms such as song cycles, monodramas, and symphonic rhapsodies, selected based on criteria like range and dramatic intensity. Each entry offers insights into the composer and the work's context, along with a brief overview of the dramatic soprano voice's evolution in operatic history. The book is tailored for professionals in the performing arts, educators, and students.

“What should I perform?” This book is to serve as a study guide of twenty-five works for the dramatic soprano voice with orchestra. Criteria used for inclusion include range, tessitura, orchestral scoring, dramatic intensity, and cultural diversity. There are examples of works dating from 1787 through 2004, and include song cycles, monoperas, monodramas, scena and arias, symphonic rhapsodies, cantatas, symphonic cycles, and lyric tragedies. Adhering to the basic requirement of the piece being suitable for the dramatic soprano voice, the chosen works are eclectic in language, style, ethnic origin, and musical period. A cursory definition of the dramatic soprano voice and its rise in operatic history is included. Information is provided for each listing, including a brief biographical sketch of the composer and the work’s history and lyrics. This book is addressed to all professionals in the performing arts as well as specifically to dramatic sopranos, conductors, composers, and lovers of extraordinary and compelling vocal/orchestral works. It is also directed toward professors and educators in music, voice, orchestra, theatre, and their students.