Emily C.: VRH, 10/31/13

Emily Cottam 

Vocal Recital Hour Critiques, 10/31/13

Jaron Putnam

Breathing is slightly audible with slight sternal movement. Intonation is very good. Timbre is warm and smooth. The legato line throughout the piece was excellent and relaxed. The diction was good as far as I could tell--there were some moments where the dynamic level made it a little difficult to hear what you were saying though, so keep the breathflow consistent through it to maintain resonance on the lower notes. Expressiveness was very good and enjoyable to watch because it changed throughout the piece and it was very relaxed. Overall, I thought it was a very good performance, and I love watching you because you always look excited and happy to perform. 

Taylee Beckstead

Breathing is like a balloon--I didn’t see any particularly unnecessary movement in the shoulders/sternum area. The intonation is very good. Timbre is clear and slightly pingy on higher notes--I absolutely love your steady vibrato. Diction is good as far as I could tell. Expression is very good and it changed throughout the piece, so I liked that. I especially loved the dynamic variation throughout the piece. The ends of phrases died out a little bit towards the end, so maintain that breathflow throughout the piece, and I think you should be fine. 

Laekin Burgess

Breathing is like a bucket. Intonation was good. Timbre was bright, clear, and a little shaky, but I think it was because you were worried about getting off with the piano. No matter what the accompanist does, keep going, and they’ll keep up with you (eventually). Diction was good as far as I could tell. Overall, I thought it was a good performance, but just remember that you’re in charge of the piece and it’s okay to leave the accompanist behind if you know what you’re doing. :)

Laura Berg

Breathing is a like a balloon, but I think you could provide consistent and constant airflow throughout the entire phrase--it’s a bit quiet at the start and ends of phrases, and I think if you provide the same airflow throughout it’d even itself out. I love your vibrato--absolutely gorgeous. Intonation is very good. Timbre is warm and full. Diction could use more consonant sounds for German. Expression is very good, but I think it could use some more variation. Overall, I thought it was a very good performance, and besides the one memory slip, I thought it was very put together and got better as the song progressed. I always love listening to you sing.