Repertoire FAQs
Some of these guidelines are from the NATS Texoma region, and others have been added by the DFW chapter.
Chapter auditions follow the National guidelines, which may be found here:
https://www.nats.org/Frequently_Asked_Questions_-_NSA.html
Are the twenty-four/twenty-six Italian Songs and Arias considered art songs or arias?
If the singer is in category III, IV, V, or VI, ANY repertoire found in the Twenty-four/twenty-six Italian Songs and Arias books may be considered as art songs AND/OR as opera arias, regardless of origin.
If the singer is in category VII or above, ANY repertoire found in the Twenty-four/twenty-six Italian Songs and Arias books may be considered as art songs ONLY, regardless of origin.
Any comparable literature found outside the Twenty-four/twenty-six Italian Songs and Arias books, regardless of composer, will be considered only as the composer originally intended, either as an aria OR an art song.
Can an art song called “Vocalise” fulfill a category?
Yes. A song without words, usually titled “Vocalise,” may fulfill the requirement for an art song. Use the composer’s nationality to select the correct category of art song. For example, Rachmaninoff Vocalise may be sung at the college or advanced level: One art song sung in English selected from any national genre NOT represented above
What about literature in Russian, Czech, Catalan, or any other language besides French, German, Italian, and / or Spanish?
Art songs: DFW and Texoma NATS student auditions do not allow any art songs written in foreign languages besides French, German, Italian, or Spanish. While the teacher of the singers may have access to an excellent Russian, Czech, Catalan, Korean, or Latvian (in other words, any language other than French, German, Italian, or Spanish) diction coach, other languages are not, as yet, part of traditional diction studies for vocal music majors in the United States. Therefore, in order to assure a certain level of expertise by the judging panel, language requirements must stay within those traditionally taught at the university level.
Opera arias: DFW and Texoma NATS Student Auditions DO allow Russian opera arias that are found in the standard operatic literature collections
Handel and Purcell literature: art song or opera aria?
If Handel wrote a piece as an aria, to be accompanied by orchestra, usually for an opera or an oratorio, it is an aria. If he wrote a piece as an art song, to be accompanied by keyboard, it is an art song.
Purcell wrote one opera, Dido and Aeneas. Pieces from his dramatic works and semi-operas are considered art songs for DFW and Texoma NATS Student Auditions. Solo literature from his cantatas is considered a cantata aria.
Can a cantata aria be used in the aria/oratorio category?
Yes.
Are there any non-art songs that are allowed to fulfill the “art song” category?
DFW and Texoma NATS Student Auditions accept spirituals and arrangements of folk songs in the art song category. Hymn arrangements and contemporary Christian literature are not accepted.
Are there any non-opera arias that are allowed to fulfill the “opera aria” category?
Yes. Texoma NATS has developed a tradition of accepting these few particular pieces as opera arias,although they are arguably NOT opera arias. For questions regarding a non-opera aria not listed below, contact the classical audition chair below.
Soprano:
Art is calling for mefrom The Enchantress, Herbert
Czardas from Die Fledermaus, J. Strauss
Glitter and be gay from Candide, Bernstein
Green finch and linnet bird from Sweeney Todd, Sondheim
Mein Herr Marquis from Die Fledermaus, Strauss
Summertimefrom Porgy and Bess, Gershwin
Vilia from Die Lustige Witwe, Lehár
Tenor:
Dein ist mein ganzes Herz from Das Land des chelns, Leh
Lonely House from Street Scene, Weill
What is our policy on using photocopies?
The National Association of Teachers of Singing endorses a strict policy regarding copyright laws. The use of photocopied music is prohibited at all NATS sponsored events, from the national to the chapter level. Exceptions are:
- Music that is out of print, still under copyright law, with permission from a publisher.
- Sheet music or books for which the copyright has expired, but available in CD format. (e.g., CD Sheet Music). Performers must be prepared to present proof of ownership upon request.
- Sheet music purchased legally from an online vendor. Such music should have either a separate page proving the performer has purchased such or a copyright notice at the bottom of the music that includes the performer’s name. Performers must be prepared to present proof of ownership upon request.
- Music available from approved public domain websites. Performers should take particular care when accessing these sites as some do not guarantee that all works are indeed in the public domain. Current approved online public domain sites are: www.imslp.org and www.sheetmusicarchive.net
Can Victor Herbert and Gilbert & Sullivan songs be considered arias?
Yes, if they are from an operetta.
Can songs be included in the music theater division that are in the style of music theater or by music theater composers, but are not actually from a musical show? (Example: The Girl in 14G, Alto's Lament)
If it is included in a music theater anthology, yes. After that, we would have to clarify each individual piece, which would be a long process. So unless it is from a show or included in a music theater only anthology, it may not be used in the music theater category. If a book says Songs from Stage and Film,; that is not a purely musical theater anthology.
Further questions should be directed to:
dfwchapternats@gmail.com or contact us individually for help: