OPERA CHORUS HELPER
ABOUT OPERA CHORUS HELPER
1) Prepare Your Score
Go through and highlight/mark your parts. Then, write the literal translation of the text above or below the original text in the score, along with any notes on pronunciation. You should also know what the other characters in each scene are saying. Write this down.
2) Learn the notes and rhythms following our audio files & your score.
3) Practice speaking the text using our diction audio files.
Follow this up by speaking the original text and the literal translation back and forth. This will help ensure you understand every word your character says.
4) Sing the notes with text while you follow your score & the tracks.
5) Work toward memorization by repeating this process for each section.
Opera Chorus Helper is a learning resource created in 2024 to help singers adequately prepare for upcoming chorus work. OCH offers note-learning tracks, audio clips demonstrating how to pronounce foreign texts, and word-for-word translations of opera libretti. Our Note-Learning Tracks highlight individual parts within the chorus for ease of learning.
HOW TO USE THIS SITE & PREPARE
This site's resources are most effective when utilized before or at the beginning of the rehearsal process. These files will help you learn notes, rhythms, and text early, resulting in you being prepared to be part of the ensemble during rehearsals with the conductor. We recommend following this process to prepare.
The Note Learning Tracks often use the following sounds for each part:
Accompaniment: Piano
Solo Parts: Brass
Soprano: Flute
Alto/Contralto: Oboe
Tenor: Clarinet
Baritone/Bass: Bassoon
Check out the sample tracks from Don Giovanni to get an idea of what we offer and if it would be helpful for you. A few notes for clarification: If a section has multiple splits in the vocal parts, we'll provide separate tracks. If the splits are minimal, we'll keep the standard SATB breakdown. In cases where there are multiple breaks between choral entrances, at least 4 measures of click track and instructions to turn to the next section will guide to your next vocal entrance.
OCH Disclaimers & Policies
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1) All OCH audio files and other resources are created by Joshua Zabatta and owned by Joshua Zabatta. Any reproduction or sharing of files outside the OCH Library and/or without expressed written permission is strictly prohibited.
2) Note Learning Tracks & Diction Tracks are developed using scans or transcriptions of opera scores in public domain. Opera sections will often reference frequently used scores in order to best serve the singers utilizing this service.
3) This site exists as a service to working singers. No files are being sold to be individuals or other parties. Individuals pay a small subscription fee in order to access the materials listed on the OCH website. The funds provided by subscriptions go to cover costs of labor, software, and web hosting.
4) Subscribers are free to end their subscriptions at any time. While refunds after 24 hours cannot be guaranteed, members may request a refund of their subscription.