Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a young tenor just starting out, preparing for an audition can be a daunting task. With so much riding on your performance, it’s essential to choose the right songs that will showcase your vocal abilities and increase your chances of success.
Selecting Tenor Audition Songs
Consider Your Vocal Range: Choose songs that fit comfortably within your vocal range and allow you to display your vocal agility, power, and control.
Showcase Your Vocal Versatility: Opt for songs that highlight different aspects of your voice, such as your high notes, low notes, and passaggio.
Choose Impactful Arias: Arias are the bread and butter of tenor auditions, so select ones that demonstrate your vocal technique, expressiveness, and ability to connect with the audience.
Popular Tenor Audition Arias
Italian Opera
- “Celeste Aida” (Aida) by Verdi
- “Nessun dorma” (Turandot) by Puccini
- “Che gelida manina” (La Bohème) by Puccini
- “O soave fanciulla” (La Bohème) by Puccini
- “E lucevan le stelle” (Tosca) by Puccini
French Opera
- “Che faro senza Euridice” (Orfeo ed Euridice) by Gluck
- “Le rêve” (Manon) by Massenet
- “Il mio tesoro” (Don Giovanni) by Mozart
- “Ah! lève-toi, soleil” (Roméo et Juliette) by Gounod
- “De l’air qui vole et qui passe” (Les Contes d’Hoffmann) by Offenbach
German Opera
- “In fernem Land” (Lohengrin) by Wagner
- “Preislied” (Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg) by Wagner
- “Winterstürme wichen dem Wonnemond” (Die Walküre) by Wagner
- “Dein ist mein ganzes Herz” (Land des Lächelns) by Lehár
- “Di provenza il mar” (La Traviata) by Verdi
Other Suitable Audition Songs
In addition to arias, you may also consider:
- Tenor Pops Songs: Showcase your versatility and stage presence with a popular tenor song, such as “My Way” by Frank Sinatra or “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers.
- Classical Art Songs: Choose art songs that demonstrate your vocal control and lyrical interpretation, such as “Der Erlkönig” by Schubert or “Morgen” by Richard Strauss.
- Sacred Music: Consider performing a sacred song or hymn that highlights your vocal power and expressiveness.
Preparation Tips
- Practice Regularly: Dedicate ample time to practicing your audition songs, focusing on both technical aspects and musical interpretation.
- Record Your Performances: Record yourself singing your pieces to identify areas for improvement and track your progress.
- Attend Masterclasses and Coaching Sessions: Seek guidance from experienced professionals to fine-tune your vocal technique and performance skills.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your vocal cords hydrated and ensure optimal vocal performance.
- Warm Up Properly: Begin your audition with a thorough vocal warm-up to prepare your voice and reduce vocal strain.
Resources
- Metropolitan Opera Auditions
- Lyric Opera of Chicago Auditions
- San Francisco Opera Auditions
- National Council Auditions
- Operabase Audition Database
Conclusion
Preparing for a tenor audition requires careful consideration of vocal range, repertoire selection, and preparation techniques. By choosing impactful songs that showcase your vocal abilities and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can increase your chances of delivering a successful audition that will impress your adjudicators and open doors to new performance opportunities.
