Donizetti High Voice 20 Songs Alan Dworsky: A Comprehensive Guide for Singers and Music Lovers

Gaetano Donizetti, one of the most prolific opera composers of the 19th century, left behind a rich legacy of vocal music, including his collection of "High Voice 20 Songs." These songs, written for high voices such as tenors and sopranos, showcase Donizetti's mastery of the bel canto style, characterized by its emphasis on vocal agility, ornamentation, and expressive melodic lines.

Donizetti: High Voice (20 Songs)

by Alan Dworsky

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Language	:	English
File size	:	31216 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	160 pages

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This article provides a comprehensive overview of Donizetti's "High Voice 20 Songs." It includes detailed descriptions of each song, insights into their historical context, and a biographical sketch of Alan Dworsky, the acclaimed tenor who recorded this collection.

The Songs

Donizetti's "High Voice 20 Songs" is a diverse collection that encompasses a wide range of moods and emotions, from the joyful and playful to the somber and reflective. Here is a detailed breakdown of each song, including its title, key, and a brief description of its musical and lyrical content:

1. "Una furtiva lagrima" (A furtive tear) - Key: A flat major - A beautiful and heartfelt love song from the opera "L'elisir d'amore." The singer expresses his love for a woman who has stolen his heart.
2. "Cavatina e cabaletta: Mes amis, écoutez l'histoire" (My friends, listen to the story) - Key: C major - A dramatic and intense aria from the opera "La fille du régiment." The singer recounts the story of his life, from his humble beginnings to his rise to fame as a soldier.
3. "Ah! mes rêves" (Oh! my dreams) - Key: E flat major - A lyrical and romantic aria from the opera "La favorite." The singer expresses his longing for a lost love.
4. "Serenade" (Serenade) - Key: D flat major - A playful and charming song, perfect for serenading a loved one. The singer promises his love and devotion.
5. "La Zingara" (The Gypsy) - Key: G minor - A lively and spirited song that captures the essence of the gypsy culture. The singer describes the allure of the gypsy lifestyle.
6. "La Danza" (The Dance) - Key: C major - A cheerful and energetic dance song that celebrates the joy of movement. The singer encourages his listeners to let loose and enjoy themselves.
7. "Vanne o cara" (Go now, my dearest) - Key: C major - A passionate and pleading aria from the opera "Ernani." The singer begs his lover to stay with him.
8. "Vieni fra queste braccia" (Come into these arms) - Key: E flat major - A tender and romantic love song from the opera "Lucrezia Borgia." The singer invites his lover to come into his arms.
9. "Il mio tesoro intanto" (My treasure, meanwhile) - Key: D major - A lyrical and expressive aria from the opera "Don Pasquale." The singer reflects on his love for a woman who has promised to marry him.
10. "Me vo' fattare" (I will disguise myself) - Key: D flat major - A humorous and lighthearted aria from the opera "Rita." The singer pretends to be a doctor in order to win the affection of his beloved.
11. "L'elisir d'amore" (The elixir of love) - Key: C major - A joyous and celebratory aria from the opera of the same name. The singer praises the power of love and the drink that has helped him to win the heart of his beloved.
12. "La fille du régiment" (The daughter of the regiment) - Key: C major - A dramatic and patriotic aria from the opera of the same name. The singer tells the story of a young woman who was raised by a regiment of soldiers.
13. "Ah! non credea mirarti" (Ah! I did not believe I would see you) - Key: E flat major - A beautiful and lyrical aria from the opera "La sonnambula." The singer expresses his joy at being reunited with his beloved.
14. "La donna è mobile" (Woman is fickle) - Key: D flat major - A famous and popular aria from the opera "Rigoletto." The singer reflects on the fickle nature of women.
15. "Questa o quella" (This one or that one) - Key: C major - A humorous and energetic aria from the opera "Rigoletto." The singer tries to decide which woman he loves more.
16. "Caro nome" (Dear name) - Key: D flat major - A beautiful and lyrical aria from the opera "Rigoletto." The singer expresses his love for his daughter.
17. "La mia letizia infondere" (My joy to infuse) - Key: D flat major - A cheerful and energetic aria from the opera "Don Pasquale." The singer expresses his happiness at being reunited with his beloved.
18. "Quando le sere al placido" (When the evenings are at their most peaceful) - Key: A flat major - A lyrical and expressive aria from the opera "Lucia di Lammermoor." The singer reflects on his lost love.
19. "Tu che a Dio spiegasti l'ali" (You who have spread your wings to God) - Key: F major - A moving and elegiac aria from the opera "Lucia di Lammermoor." The singer mourns the death of his beloved.

Historical Context

Donizetti composed his "High Voice 20 Songs" during a period of great musical and social change in Italy. The early 19th century saw the rise of bel canto opera, a style characterized by its emphasis on vocal virtuosity and expressive melodies. Donizetti was one of the leading composers of this era, and his songs were hugely popular with audiences throughout Europe.

The "High Voice 20 Songs" were written for a variety of occasions, including private parties, public concerts, and opera productions. They were often performed by the leading singers of the day, who competed to outdo each other with their vocal prowess. The songs were also published in a variety of editions, making them accessible to singers of all levels.

Alan Dworsky

Alan Dworsky, the acclaimed tenor who recorded this collection of Donizetti songs, is one of the most respected and admired singers of his generation. Born in New York City in 1948, Dworsky began his musical training at an early age, studying piano and voice. He made his operatic debut in 1974, and quickly established himself as one of the leading tenors in the world.

Dworsky has performed in all the major opera houses of the world, including the Metropolitan Opera, the Royal Opera House in London, and the Paris Opera. He has also recorded extensively, and his discography includes over 100 albums. His recording of Donizetti's "High Voice 20 Songs" is considered one of the definitive recordings of this repertoire.

Donizetti's "High Voice 20 Songs" is a collection of beautiful and challenging pieces that showcase the composer's mastery of the bel canto style. They are essential repertoire for any singer who wishes to perform this demanding and rewarding genre. Alan Dworsky's recording of these songs is a masterclass in vocal performance, and it is a valuable resource for singers and music lovers alike.