Introduction
Auditioning for a coveted soprano role in a prestigious opera house or musical production requires careful selection of repertoire. With countless options available, narrowing down the choices can be challenging. To assist aspiring sopranos, this comprehensive article presents an extensive list of audition-worthy songs tailored specifically to the soprano voice type.
Selecting the Ideal Audition Song
When choosing an audition song, several factors should be considered:
- Vocal Range: Choose a piece that showcases your vocal range and tessitura, ensuring the high notes fall comfortably within your reach.
- Style: Select a song that aligns with the production’s genre and the character you are auditioning for.
- Interpretation: Present a song that allows you to showcase your artistry and musicality, demonstrating your ability to convey the emotion and intent of the piece.
- Memorization: Thoroughly memorize the song to project confidence and authenticity during the audition.
Classical Audition Songs for Sopranos
Aria Database by Vocal Range:
| Vocal Range | Musical Period | Composer | Opera/Work |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lyric Soprano | Baroque | Handel | Alcina, “Bel raggio lusinghier” |
| Lyric Soprano | Classical | Mozart | Don Giovanni, “Porgi, amor” |
| Lyric Soprano | Romantic | Puccini | La Bohème, “Mi chiamano Mimì” |
| Coloratura Soprano | Baroque | Bellini | Norma, “Casta diva” |
| Coloratura Soprano | Classical | Rossini | Il Barbiere di Siviglia, “Una voce poco fa” |
| Coloratura Soprano | Romantic | Verdi | Rigoletto, “Caro nome” |
| Dramatic Soprano | Baroque | Verdi | Aida, “Ritorna vincitor!” |
| Dramatic Soprano | Classical | Wagner | Tannhäuser, “Dich, teure Halle” |
| Dramatic Soprano | Romantic | Puccini | Tosca, “Vissi d’arte” |
Popular Audition Arias:
- “Donde lieta uscì” from La Bohème by Puccini
- “Un bel dì, vedremo” from Madama Butterfly by Puccini
- “In questa reggia” from Turandot by Puccini
- “O mio babbino caro” from Gianni Schicchi by Puccini
- “Quando m’en vo'” from La Bohème by Puccini
Broadway Audition Songs for Sopranos
Musical Theatre Database by Vocal Range:
| Vocal Range | Musical | Composer | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| Soprano | Wicked | Stephen Schwartz | “Defying Gravity” |
| Soprano | The Phantom of the Opera | Andrew Lloyd Webber | “Think of Me” |
| Soprano | Les Misérables | Claude-Michel Schönberg | “I Dreamed a Dream” |
| Soprano | Oklahoma! | Rodgers and Hammerstein | “Surrey with the Fringe on Top” |
| Soprano | Carousel | Rodgers and Hammerstein | “If I Loved You” |
Popular Broadway Audition Songs:
- “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz by Arlen and Harburg
- “Memory” from Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber
- “All I Ask of You” from The Phantom of the Opera by Andrew Lloyd Webber
- “Don’t Cry for Me Argentina” from Evita by Andrew Lloyd Webber
- “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” from Dreamgirls by Henry Krieger
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Inappropriate Song Selection: Choosing a song that does not showcase your vocal abilities or align with the production’s requirements.
- Inaccurate Memorization: Failing to thoroughly memorize the song, resulting in hesitations or mistakes during the audition.
- Lack of Emotional Engagement: Not fully connecting with the song’s emotion and conveying it authentically through your performance.
- Technical Issues: Experiencing vocal problems, such as pitch inconsistencies or vocal strain, during the audition.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How many songs should I prepare for my audition? Prepare a minimum of two songs, preferably contrasting in style and vocal demands.
- Should I accompany myself on the piano? If you are proficient in piano, accompanying yourself can enhance your audition, but it is not mandatory.
- How should I dress for my audition? Dress professionally and appropriately for the production you are auditioning for.
- What should I bring to my audition? Bring copies of your sheet music, a headshot, and a resume.
- How can I practice for my audition? Rehearse regularly with a vocal coach or accompanist to refine your technique and performance.
- How can I improve my audition nerves? Practice regularly to build confidence and stay calm during the audition.
