The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthology: Mezzo-Soprano/Alto, Vol. 1

Rating:
Summary: There's so much stuff in here!
Review: The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthologies have long been respected as a line of well-chosen solos, especially for higher voices. Reaching far into the depths of musical theatre history, Richard Walters assembles pieces for every possible occasion: from the well-known "Les Misérables" to the classic "Gypsy" and "Oliver!" to such new musicals as "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and "The Secret Garden". The selections are not all designed for blasting, nor are they all love songs - Walters establishes a comfortable and interesting balance between the two extremes. Each of the volumes contains vocal/piano score in the original keys, however some editions contain condensed orchestral scores. I wholly recommend this entire series, if not for audition purposes, for just personal enjoyment!

Rating:
Summary: Eclectic, Comprehensive & Entertaining
Review: The Singer's Musical Theatre Anthologies have long been respected as a line of well-chosen solos, especially for higher voices. Reaching far into the depths of musical theatre history, Richard Walters assembles pieces for every possible occasion: from the well-known "Les Misérables" to the classic "Gypsy" and "Oliver!" to such new musicals as "The Mystery of Edwin Drood" and "The Secret Garden". The selections are not all designed for blasting, nor are they all love songs - Walters establishes a comfortable and interesting balance between the two extremes. Each of the volumes contains vocal/piano score in the original keys, however some editions contain condensed orchestral scores. I wholly recommend this entire series, if not for audition purposes, for just personal enjoyment!

Rating:
Summary: There's so much stuff in here!
Review: This book has so many great songs. It has an even amount of fun songs ("I Can Cook Too" from On The Town), love songs ("I Dreamed a Dream" from Les Miz), funny songs ("I Hate Men" from Kiss Me, Kate), well known songs ("On My Own" from Les Miz), love songs ("Music That Makes Me Dance" from Funny Girl), high songs ("Feelings" from The Apple Tree), low songs ("Small World" from Gypsy) inspirational songs ("Hold On" from Secret Garden) classics ("I Get a Kick Out Of You," "Johnny One Note," "I Wish I Were In Love Again") new stuff ("I'd be Surprisingly Good For You" from Evita) and songs I've yet to learn ("My Husband Makes Movies"). There are so many songs in this book! It's absolutely worth getting. And you don't have to worry about it being in your range!

Rating:
Summary: A Gift From the Musical Theatre Gods
Review: This series of books is absolutely wonderful. It forces singers of all ages to break away from those two or three songs or musicals they know very well and perform these other songs in THEIR key (not some odd key from a collaboration book). This also makes songs easily accessible if you don't necessarily know any Sondheim, etc. I feel everyone should own one or more volumes of this collection (in their vocal range, of course). The only thing that stinks is the larger your range, the more money you end up spending!

Rating:
Summary: A Gift From the Musical Theatre Gods
Review: This series of books is absolutely wonderful. It forces singers of all ages to break away from those two or three songs or musicals they know very well and perform these other songs in THEIR key (not some odd key from a collaboration book). This also makes songs easily accessible if you don't necessarily know any Sondheim, etc. I feel everyone should own one or more volumes of this collection (in their vocal range, of course). The only thing that stinks is the larger your range, the more money you end up spending!