| Author | Message: Ethel vs. Bernadette | Posted by: BPeters248
On: 7/23/1999 at 10:20:40 AM GMT
Message #: 9
See headers | I bought the Ethel Mermen Version of AGYG last night. It is HORRIBLE. She is
not at all sweet like Bernadette and her voice is too booming and powerful.
Although Annie Oakley was meant to be a tomboy, I think that at the end she
was supposed to be more refined! She is not at all sarcastic like bernadette.
Bottom Line: Bernadette Got Her Gun and Shot Ethel!
Billy
AGYG Owner
| | Author | Message: Re: Ethel vs. Bernadette | Posted by: Malcolm742
On: 7/23/1999 at 11:49:14 PM GMT
Message #: 10
See headers | But Ethel Merman was the female pioneer of the Great White Way who proved
that women did and (obviously) do have the capicity vocally and the emotional
depth in each specific character to portray very strong multi faceted roles.
You must also take into consideration that when that production was completed
circa 1945 the qualities expected from such a role were completly different
than those today. For instance, would "Song and Dance", a very powerful,
moving musical, have survived? Most likely not, because it simply lacked that
overly perky spunk that was required in the early days of musical theatre.
The songs were sung by some of the great crooners (look at Danny Kaye and
Bing Crosby) and the great belters of the time (Ms. Merman to naem one).
After careful study you may find that Bernadette in her own ways mimics some
of the vocal tricks that Ethel Merman brought to the stage. Listen closely to
how she holds some of her longer notes and the volume grows and the sound
literally expands. Now that is how to use that diaphragm!!!
|
See other archives
|
