Singing Guide: Rinaldo
Vocal technique, exercises, tips and relevant resources
Rinaldo is a baroque opera in three acts, according to Georg Friedrich Händel's music, and its premiere was performed in 1711. The opera retells a story from the epic poem Gerusalemme Liberata by Torquato Tasso, which tells the story of the first crusade and the love between the Christian knight Rinaldo and the Saracen sorceress Armida. The opera is remarkable for its vigor, drama, and magnificent arias, as well as being one of Handel's most accomplished and successful operas.
What makes "Rinaldo" such a popular opera is the combination of Handel's remarkable music, the captivating plot, the intricate vocal display, and the historical context of the first crusade. Singers should strive to embody the operatic qualities intrinsic to "Rinaldo" by focusing on developing specific vocal techniques and implementing best practices. In this article, we will discuss the vocal techniques of the great countertenor Andreas Scholl and how his approach to "Rinaldo" can serve as a guide.
Andreas Scholl's Vocal Technique And "Rinaldo"
Andreas Scholl's countertenor voice is perfect for the castrato roles of "Rinaldo," which were originally written for male sopranos with extended ranges. "Rinaldo's" title role is typically considered to be one of Handel's most challenging roles for a countertenor. Scholl's legato phrasing and impeccable breath control make him an excellent source of inspiration for those seeking to emulate his vocal technique.
To sing "Rinaldo" like Andreas Scholl, singers should focus on developing their breathing, range, agility, and emotive performance. Singers should also learn how to master the various vocal registers, from the chest to the head, and develop their ability to perform each with clarity and distinction. Scholl's vocal techniques are highlighted in "Lascia Ch'io Pianga," which is considered one of the most magnificent arias in all of opera and is a great showcase for the vocalist's vocal range and emotional expression.
Singing Carrots Resources
Singing Carrots offers numerous resources for vocalists seeking to improve their singing techniques. We recommend the following resources to those who are interested in improving their rendition of Handel's "Rinaldo":
We also recommend the following articles as they provide valuable insight into the singer's vocal technique and performance:
- How to analyze your voice
- Voice types
- Breathing basics
- Voice registers & vocal break
- Breath support
- Open mouth & throat
- How to learn a song effectively
- Avoiding constrictions
- Singing with intuition, skills, emotion, and thinking
- Contemporary vocal techniques: Heavy modal, Twang, Belting
- Vocal distortion & Growling
- Singing with Vibrato
- Articulation
- Why do we sing out of pitch?
- Resonance in singing
- How to find your own authentic voice
- Vocal health
- How posture affects your singing
- How to overcome stage fright
- Tips for performing on stage