Each and every song, no matter what style, length, or language has a story to tell. Art songs may not be opera in the sense that there is not a continuous story, there are no costumes, and oftentimes there is just a singer and a piano. Still, art songs were also written with the purpose of enhancing the meaning of a text through music. Our job as the singing actor is to bring these stories to life.
It is so easy to get wrapped up in vocal technique when working on a piece to the point where all acting goes out the window. Don’t worry, it happens! But we can’t let it be our final performance, or else our audience will think every piece we sing is about immense concentration and blank expressions.
So what are some ways (aside from working with a dramatic coach) that we can work to liven up even the simplest of pieces?
First and foremost, just like in opera, we must know what the piece or cycle is about. I know this seems obvious, but especially when it comes to singing abstract cycles in foreign languages, I cannot stress this enough. You should know not only the literal and poetic translations (subscribe now for a free translation chart!), but you should also know the historical context of what you are singing. Knowing what you are singing about goes a long way.
Once you have laid out a backstory for your character, decide how you and/or the character feels about what is happening. It would be obvious to say that in a love song the narrator feels in love. It would be much more interesting, however, to see a performer feel the heartbreak of love, or the immense joy of love, and so on. Decide what attitude(s) the piece expresses, how the piece makes you feel personally, and then figure out how to express these thoughts and ideas in such a way that your audience feels it too.
With all of this in mind, there are still some special considerations for acting within art songs. Keep in mind that the tools and suggestions laid out below are intended for practice, and should be practiced individually the same way you’d practice different sections or pieces of a song musically.
Don’t be afraid to move.
Some young classical singers will stand in the crook of the piano and not move an inch, making them look stiff and uncomfortable. You’re not in an opera, but you are welcome to move! Just like in regular speech, we so rarely communicate without moving our bodies. Let this natural tendency carry over into your song performance as well.
With that said, don’t move too much.
Make each movement purposeful. Many singers have nervous habits where they move their hands too much, twitch the fingers, sway awkwardly, and so on. If you move, make sure that each movement has an intention. By this I mean, make sure each movement you make helps to convey the attitude, feeling, or overall story you wish to express.
Use your face.
We don’t want to create unnecessary tension while singing, but our faces can really convey so many emotions. Many of us are very animated when we talk, but when we get on stage, we freeze. Don’t let that happen! Performing art song is a great time to have a terrible poker face.
Use a mirror or a video recording device.
Once we’ve started building up the courage to move and express ourselves, sometimes we think we’re emoting much more than we are. Getting feedback from your mentors and peers can really help, but sometimes they’re not around. Recording yourself is not only a great means of getting instant feedback, but it also allows you to see what your audience is seeing.
When you’re in the practice room, alternate between “technique sessions” and “acting sessions”.
This will allow you to focus your concentration on one aspect of your technique. That way, you won’t become overwhelmed by thinking about 23,847 things at once, creating more effective practice. For example, one day you walk into the practice room and decide, “I really need to work on the coloratura in this piece,” so make that session about voice. The next day, perhaps you think, “I really want to show how in love this narrator is,” so that day focus on expression.
Watch some of your favorite singers.
Our favorite singers are favorites for a reason. We like what they do, and they usually know what they’re doing. Explore new singers as well. Find singers who are known for their acting and watch what they do. I am not encouraging mimicking, but take note of how they use their body to express ideas. Then, explore how you can do the same with your own.
What other special considerations exist for acting within art song? How do you practice your acting in general? What tools have helped you get to the next level in your acting? What goals do you have for your acting? Comments and questions, as always, are more than welcomed!