audition songs for second sopranos

3 min read 23-11-2024

Finding the right audition song can be stressful. For second sopranos, the challenge is finding pieces that showcase vocal agility and blend beautifully, while still allowing your individual voice to shine. This guide offers a curated list of audition songs, categorized by style and difficulty, to help you find the perfect piece to highlight your unique talents. Remember to choose a song that you love and feel confident performing.

Choosing the Right Audition Song

Before diving into specific song suggestions, let's consider key factors when selecting an audition piece:

Understanding Your Vocal Strengths:

Range and Tessitura: Know your comfortable range and tessitura (the most comfortable part of your range). Select a song that lies comfortably within this area. Avoid pieces that push your voice too high or low.
Vocal Color and Tone: Do you have a bright, dark, or mellow tone? Choose a song that complements your vocal color. A bright soprano might excel in a bubbly, operatic selection, while a darker voice might suit a more dramatic piece.
Technical Abilities: Be honest about your current skills. Choose a song that showcases your strengths without pushing your limits beyond what you can comfortably control. Avoid pieces with excessive coloratura or vocal leaps if you aren't yet confident in those areas.

Considering the Audition:

Genre: Is the audition for a choir, musical theatre production, opera, or something else? Choose a song that aligns with the style of the group or performance.
Length: Most auditions prefer shorter pieces, usually under 3 minutes. Be mindful of the time constraints.
Accompaniment: Will you be accompanied by piano, orchestra, or something else? Ensure the accompaniment is readily available or easily arranged.

Audition Song Suggestions for Second Sopranos

Here are some audition song suggestions categorized by style and difficulty. Remember to consult with your vocal coach for personalized recommendations.

Easier Pieces (Good for Beginners):

"Summertime" (George Gershwin): A classic and beautiful melody that's perfect for showcasing a warm and expressive tone. It's relatively easy to learn and can be adapted to various styles.
"The Lord Bless You and Keep You" (Traditional): A gentle and comforting piece suitable for demonstrating a soft and controlled vocal style. It offers a good opportunity to display your phrasing and breath control.
"You'll Never Walk Alone" (Rodgers & Hammerstein): This well-known musical theatre piece allows you to showcase your ability to convey emotion and connect with the lyrics.

Medium Difficulty Pieces (Good for Intermediate Singers):

"O Mio Babbino Caro" (Puccini): While technically a soprano aria, the second soprano part in many choral arrangements of this piece is beautiful and provides a good opportunity to show off your lyrical abilities.
"Think of Me" (Andrew Lloyd Webber, The Phantom of the Opera): A lovely and melancholic piece that allows for emotional depth and showcases vocal control.
"Morgen" (Richard Strauss): A beautiful art song that offers a chance to demonstrate your expressive phrasing and dynamic range.

More Challenging Pieces (For Advanced Singers):

Selections from Handel's Messiah: Many of the choral sections in Handel's Messiah offer challenging yet rewarding opportunities for a skilled second soprano.
"Pie Jesu" (Andrew Lloyd Webber, Requiem): This emotionally charged piece demands vocal control, power, and expressive phrasing. It's suitable only for very advanced singers.
"Laudamus Te" (Mozart, Requiem): This section from Mozart's Requiem provides an opportunity to display technical skill and blend within a larger ensemble.

Preparing Your Audition Piece

Once you've selected a song, spend ample time preparing it.

Learn the Music Thoroughly: Master the melody, rhythm, and harmony.
Work on Your Diction and Phrasing: Ensure your pronunciation is clear and your phrasing is expressive.
Develop Your Interpretation: Understand the emotional meaning of the song and convey it convincingly.
Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more confident and polished your performance will be.
Record Yourself: Listening back to your practice sessions will help you identify areas for improvement.

Choosing the right audition song is crucial. By carefully considering your strengths, the audition requirements, and the suggestions provided here, you can confidently select a piece that showcases your talent and increases your chances of success. Remember that the best song is one that allows you to shine!