Die Alte

A character behind the tune

Mozart’s performance direction asks for a slightly nasal delivery. It invites a character voice, not a loss of musical control. The old woman’s repeated recollections of better times turn the singer into a storyteller with a definite point of view. Each return can sound like another attempt to convince the listener.

Keep the comedy intelligible

Speak the German text before singing it, noticing the repeated opening words and changing complaints. Try contrasting verses through diction and intention rather than simply increasing volume. Agree with the keyboard player where a sentence needs space, then preserve the underlying pulse. A restrained caricature leaves room for the words to do their work.

Music in this edition

1. Die Alte