singing difficult pieces for competition?

[morwen9]

So I found out yesterday that my school is holding a singing competition this term and I plan to audition for it using "The Song of The Brass Key," Clementina's solo from The Desert Song. The song is hard, with an incredibly quick tempo and a key (ha ha) change, especially at the beginning of the chorus: "There is a KEY, a key to my heart..." but I can sing it and I have a backing track for it now. Does anyone think it's a good idea to sing a difficult piece for a competition?

My reasons for choosing TSOTBK are (a) it isn't well-known (this competition is student-organised, but I'd still like to sing something unique) and (b) it's a character piece. I put this post in here because the piece is classical-style, as it's from an operetta. (I want to play the role one day, but I know I need lessons. I can't control my voice, but it is strong. I made a stupid mistake posting a youtube video of me singing it with a sore throat and stuffed nose, so I sound REALLY bad. Hopefully my throat and nose will clear up in time for the audition.)

The thing is, I'm not really sure if I should sing this or pick something relatively easier. What are everyone else's opinions?

[morwen9]

Does anyone want to give their opinions on whether I should sing this? I'm not sure if I should. I haven't had much training, since I had to stop voice lessons.

Here are the lyrics:
THE SONG OF THE BRASS KEY
(Romberg/Hammerstein)

CLEMENTINA:
On the streets of Spain,
Love lies at your feet,
Love's adventure sweet
Lives on the streets of Spain.

Ladies beckon you
With a little key,
Follow and you'll see
Just where they beckon you.

So, if you see me
Slyly swinging my key,
Soon I will see you
Shyly following me.

I will bring to you
All the joy I know
If you do not go,
Then I will sing to you:

CHORUS:
There is a key, a key to my heart,
If you can but find the door;
Only for me, for me to impart,
The secret of Loveland lore.
There is a golden gateway,
That you can open straightway.

Just follow me, and then you will see
One kiss is the key to more.

So, are we only common slaves?
We don't agree,
You have only lived in caves.
Up on your hill you
Can wait until
You hear:
(Repeat Chorus twice.)

[comet]

Hi Anne,

I am wondering if this is a moral question or a question of technical vocal ability .

If you can post on YouTube you have facilities to record a performance.

Certainly for your own record and to test your own ability, try it, record it a few times, surely you will know yourself if you are making the notes and keeping in tune and in time.

If the question is about the morals of the song or it's character in the Operetta, That is slightly different and who are we to judge.

Are the judges of the competition students ? Musicians ? Teachers or lecturers ? Religious groups ?

They may judge you on your choice of material as much as your ability to sing the piece.

Either way, I wish you luck "Go for it"

[Joe]

Hello Anne,

I think your song choice is perfect for the school competition. The high degree of difficulty could be an advantage.

As Comet said, "go for it"

Best wishes,
Joe

[Richard]

Hello Anne!

I think it's a very good choice too.

Best wishes,

Richard

[morwen9]

Jul 19, 2012 14:04:04 GMT comet said:

Hi Anne,

I am wondering if this is a moral question or a question of technical vocal ability .

If you can post on YouTube you have facilities to record a performance.

Certainly for your own record and to test your own ability, try it, record it a few times, surely you will know yourself if you are making the notes and keeping in tune and in time.

If the question is about the morals of the song or it's character in the Operetta, That is slightly different and who are we to judge.

Are the judges of the competition students ? Musicians ? Teachers or lecturers ? Religious groups ?

They may judge you on your choice of material as much as your ability to sing the piece.

Either way, I wish you luck "Go for it"

The teachers aren't involved at all. This is a student thing. EDIT: Looking upthread
--I've actually made several Audacity recordings of it. One more can't hurt, just to get it right.