Music! Its Role and Importance in Our LivesChapter 14: Opera and BeyondFrom the TopName: Nadine Sierra Nadine Sierra on performing "O Mio Babbino Caro" on the From the Top radio show: Q: What are your thoughts and feelings about this piece? A: Personally, I have tried to get away with things my parents didn't want me to do by crying or manipulating them into thinking I'm sad. This is what my character does in "O Mio Babbino Caro." When I am singing this aria I imagine myself giving a sad puppy face in the beginning and then getting a little more serious towards the end. It's not a cutesy aria though, so I try not to go too far with the sweetness my character tries to put on. My favorite part of the piece is at the end when I get to hold that high A, singing pianissimo. I don't think I have a least favorite part in this aria. The aria is short and beautiful, and I mainly fall in love with the melody more than anything. Q: What is unique or special about this piece of music? A: This aria proves that a lot of emotion and beauty can be sung in just a minute and a half. It also shows the true emotions my character feels as the aria grows. Q: What was it like preparing for and performing on From the Top? A: It was actually a lot of fun. Before I left to perform on the show, my mom told me to pack everything that had either long sleeves or fuzzy insides! I was surprised that my voice was cooperating with the cold climate and that my toes didn't fall off the few days I was there. But I still had fun admiring the leafless trees and drinking hot chocolate. Everybody was so welcoming and we all just became friends. Everybody had their own special talent and it was delightful to see what others had accomplished and learned. On the day of the performance I wasn't nervous at all and just went up on that stage and sang my heart out. It was a blast! Truly! And if I could recommend a great program to audition for I would have to say From the Top! |  |
