Soprano Arias

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Soprano Arias from Comic Intermezzi by Domenico Products

As a soprano/bass duo, Kathleen and Peter van de Graaff have traveled to Europe many times, collecting scores of intermezzi to perform. These funny little chamber operas were like comic breaks between the acts of serious operas (opera seria), offering some lighthearted fun to contrast with the often heavy drama. (Think of them as the funny TV commercials of their day!)  The majority of the pieces from intermezzi were written for soprano and baritone/bass – you will LOVE singing them; they’re such delightful pieces!

The arias in this collection are specifically for the Soprano voices

There are generally 2 characters in an intermezzo:  an older, dumber bass who wants to marry the soprano her charm and beauty, and the soprano who wants to marry him for his money. Her cleverness and interactions with the bass contribute significantly to the overall humor, often stemming from her scheming and plotting. Musically, her role features lighter, more agile vocal lines that showcase her dexterity and charm, focusing on melodic and engaging passages that reflect the intermezzo’s lighthearted nature. Whether portrayed as a flirtatious maidservant, a young and eager lover, or a slightly wiser companion, the soprano character in an intermezzo provides a relatable and often amusing figure whose presence and involvement in everyday, usually romantic or domestic scenarios, offers a delightful contrast to the grandeur and tragedy of the main opera.

These delightful pieces, or even a complete intermezzo (generally only 30-45 minutes long), would make a fantastic and engaging addition to any concert or recital program.

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