Once again I want us to think about legato. I have been working on some things with you regarding this and want to try and give you some things to work on at home.Get out your learning aid CD for Beati Mortui and try this.
Instead of singing the words practise your part to a good old La!
But, and this is important, don't just la la la along - make sure that the music is in one continuous flow of sound and the "L" of La is merely used to define the start of each note.
Keep your mouth open in a really good shape - not over stretched, nor mostly closed - a nice open shape is ideal.
Breathe in nice and low down, expand your rib cage low down and out creating a nice barrel shape in your tummy and as the sound comes out conserve the air by using your tummy muscles (remember our hiss exercise)
Now La the phrase as a continuous stream of tone.
Only when we create a really good legato line will we be able to sing truly expressive phrases and create truly musical performances.
I dug around "tinternet" and found this example of gorgeous legato, delivered by a choir directed by the 20th century's greatest choirmaster (probably)
Enjoy
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