Over the past few months I have been preparing for my Undergraduate Senior Recital. I was talking with a friend who had a recital last year and they compared their preparation to something like a wedding. I found their comparison to be interesting but eventually came to the realization that they were right. So here are some ways in which I see a recital as the bonding of you and your instrument/musicianship:
-Repertoire: In the grand scheme of recitals, I would see my repertoire as the vows that a couple professes for one another at a wedding. The pieces of music that you choose to perform on a recital should be a direct representation of you as a musician; this can be expressed through the era of music, the words, or even things that you have performed in the past that you feel made you a stronger performer. In my recital I’ve made the decision to sing mostly Romantic and 20th century pieces because I feel as though that is the music that best represents my voice and my growth as a musician while studying voice in my Undergraduate Program.
-Planning: There may not seem to be as much planning that goes into a recital, but in all reality a lot of the planned events come in the weeks leading up to the recital. Accompanist rehearsals, recital hearings, lessons, dress rehearsals, and finally the big event all take a lot of planning and preparation so that the performer can get on stage and do what they love.
-Participants: The people you ask to be a part of your recital would be similar to bridesmaids or groomsmen. Participants are the people you entrust to help you put on the best possible performance through things like duets and guest accompaniment. For my recital, I made the decision to include a duet with one of my closest friends, as well two pieces including my fraternity’s choir because these people have played such a large part of my college career and I wanted to share part of my special day with them.
-Dress/Tux Shopping: Just like in a wedding, dresses and tuxes play a large part in the preparation for recitals. Ultimately you must find an outfit the best represents the image you want to portray on your big day; For some people this may mean wearing a ball gown, for others it may mean doing a dress change halfway through the recital, and for most people it is mostly about what makes them feel most comfortable when performing.
-The Day of Your Recital: This day may feel like a wedding mostly because it is supposed to be one of the happiest experiences of your life. Recitals are meant to be when your friends and family come together to celebrate your success throughout your musical career. It is most people’s instinct to stress out and fret over things that could have gone differently but don’t do it! Your recital should be the time were you let loose and show everyone what you’re made of, while also declaring your passion for performance.
millennialoperafan 