Singing Guide: Do I Hear a Waltz?
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Do I Hear a Waltz? is a musical that opened on Broadway in 1965 with a book by Arthur Laurents. The music was composed by Richard Rodgers with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and the show was directed by John Dexter. The show received mixed reviews but has since gained a cult following. While there are no standout vocal performances or unique techniques showcased in the show, there are still many valuable lessons that singers can learn from it.
One of the most important lessons that singers can learn from Do I Hear a Waltz? is the importance of diction and articulation. The show features many fast-paced ensemble numbers with a lot of overlapping dialogue, and it can be difficult for the audience to understand what the performers are saying if they do not enunciate clearly. Singers can improve their own diction by practicing exercises like the Finger Bite technique, which can be found in Singing Carrots' articulation article.
Another takeaway from Do I Hear a Waltz? is the importance of emotion and stage presence. The show is a romantic comedy that explores the different stages of love, from infatuation to heartbreak, and the actors must be able to convincingly portray these emotions onstage. Singers can benefit from this lesson by practicing relaxation techniques like the Relaxing Breath exercise, which can be found in the Singing Carrots' emotion-control/performing skill-related video.
To learn how to sing like the actors in Do I Hear a Waltz?, singers should focus on developing their chest voice and perfecting their vocal range. Many of the songs in the show are written in a lower register, which means that singers will need to master their chest voice in order to bring out the full richness of the music. Singing Carrots offers many resources to help singers develop their skills, including the Vocal Range Test, which can be used to determine what songs are a good match for their voice.
Overall, while Do I Hear a Waltz? may not be the most well-known musical, it still offers many valuable lessons for singers who are looking to improve their craft. By focusing on diction, emotion, and range, singers can learn to perform in a way that is engaging and captivating to their audience.