Nymphs and Shepherds

I sang this in a midterm recital. It is by Henry Purcell

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Nymphs
• shepherds
• sheep
• Henry
• Purcell
• Shepherds

[innocent91]

ok i need advice from you because you're awesome.

i have to sing this for a state competition.

my teachers who picked it were apparently being completely crazy when they chose it, because i am an alto.

what do you suggest for an alto attempting to sing this song?

[blondesinger12]

mmm.I'm not a very good alto, I can't even sing below the B under middle C...but just remember not to stretch your neck up to hit the notes, be very relaxed. The more relaxed you are, the less tension you will have and the vocal chords will move and help you hit the notes.If you look at the music and think "thats a high note" it will sound strained. So just tell yourself it's in your range and you'll be able to sing it as if it was an alto piece and it won't sound stressed. Hope that helps!:~)

[GlamCrystal93]

wow, ur so good.. im so lousy.. im learning this song now. any advice? =)

[blondesinger12]

i think the most important thing is know the accompaniment and really get to know how your part and the accomp. fit together. Also, the style at that time was to make the notes fit the words. So when you sing the melisima's on "music","rove",and "express" you are actually illustrating those words with your voice. I think that knowing that helps alot:~)

[AxiReznor]

You do have a lovely voice <3

some friendly critic: It sounds a little too breathy. Perhaps more space? raise your soft pallet! You must connect the lines more, it has a choppy "note note note" sound, make it a phrase and itll sound amazing! (: also watch your breaths, the 2nd "whilst you express" you must hold out until the end, you cant cut off phrases. its hard but once you get used to it it'll be super easy!

Im doing this for my solo&ensemble for my highschool senior year, its grown on me(:

[AidanCharmed1231]

Are you american?

[briwalc]

You are SO amazing! I am attempting to learn this song in one day, I have a solo competion tomorrow. I wish I could sing like for it!

[LDNisYourCorndogs]

Thanks. I've been practing against your version for the last month for a solo competetion. You're a life saver.

[roopeehoox]

Your voice is so silvery and beautiful :)

[stamco6]

I am singing this right now and I'm having some troubles with the express part, getting the notes perfect. I can read music just fine but I can't seem to get this part right. Do you have any suggestions?

[LeamingtonSteve]

prefer the Rage Against The Machine version

[DieSonneSinkt]

There is something fake and unnatural about your voice. Try not to peak at high notes, and use less of an elaborate vibrato. Listen to Schwarzkopf - I don't think there will ever be a singer with a more innocent and pure voice.

[VivaTuttiMusica]

The best and more natural version of this song on youtube !!! Please continue, you and your music are so beautiful when you sing !!!

VivaTutiiMusica.

[Treus343]

@0912rawr Many sopranos are simply not built to sing darkly without excessively fatiguing their voices. For those of us with smaller instruments, it is often healthier to sing brightly as blondesinger12 is doing. I think her vowels are exactly where they should be.