"Repertoire is a wide subject and offers a fascinating study to the
vocal student. He must have both imagination and sentiment, also the
ability to portray, through movement and facial expression, the various
moods and states of feeling indicated by words and music.
"In taking up a new rôle, I read the story to get at the kernel or plot,
and see what it means. The composer first saw the words of poem or
libretto, and these suggested to him suitable music. So the singer
begins his work by carefully reading the words.
"I then have the music of the whole work played for me on the piano, so
as to discover its trend and meaning--its content. If the composer is
available I ask him to do this. I next begin to study my own part in
detail, not only the important sections but the little bits, which seem
so small, but are often so difficult to remember."